1
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Wen W, Turrigiano GG. Keeping Your Brain in Balance: Homeostatic Regulation of Network Function. Annu Rev Neurosci 2024; 47:41-61. [PMID: 38382543 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-092523-110001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
To perform computations with the efficiency necessary for animal survival, neocortical microcircuits must be capable of reconfiguring in response to experience, while carefully regulating excitatory and inhibitory connectivity to maintain stable function. This dynamic fine-tuning is accomplished through a rich array of cellular homeostatic plasticity mechanisms that stabilize important cellular and network features such as firing rates, information flow, and sensory tuning properties. Further, these functional network properties can be stabilized by different forms of homeostatic plasticity, including mechanisms that target excitatory or inhibitory synapses, or that regulate intrinsic neuronal excitability. Here we discuss which aspects of neocortical circuit function are under homeostatic control, how this homeostasis is realized on the cellular and molecular levels, and the pathological consequences when circuit homeostasis is impaired. A remaining challenge is to elucidate how these diverse homeostatic mechanisms cooperate within complex circuits to enable them to be both flexible and stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wen
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Gina G Turrigiano
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA;
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2
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Masegosa VM, Navarro X, Herrando-Grabulosa M. ICA-27243 improves neuromuscular function and preserves motoneurons in the transgenic SOD1 G93A mice. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00319. [PMID: 38262101 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the death of upper and lower motor neurons (MNs). Excessive neuronal excitability has been implicated in MN degeneration; thus, modulation of hyperexcitability appears as a promising therapeutic strategy. Potassium channels are attractive targets since they can be activated at subthreshold voltages and can regulate neuronal excitability. In this study, we assayed the effects of N-(6-Chloro-pyridin-3-yl)-3,4-difluorobenzamide compound, known as ICA-27243, as a potential treatment for ALS. ICA-27243 is a highly selective Kv7.2/7.3 opener used mainly in epilepsy models. In the in vitro model of spinal cord organotypic cultures (SCOCs) exposed to acute excitotoxicity, ICA-27243 prevented MN degeneration at a dose-of 10 μM. Administration of ICA-27243 to transgenic SOD1G93A ALS mice improved the decline of neuromuscular function, maintained locomotion and coordination in the rotarod, decreased spinal MN death and attenuated glial reactivity. In conclusion, we report here for the first time that ICA-27243 is an effective treatment for ALS, emphasizing the potential of targeting Kv channels to reduce neuronal hyperexcitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera M Masegosa
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Degenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Degenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mireia Herrando-Grabulosa
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Degenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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3
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Sharples SA, Broadhead MJ, Gray JA, Miles GB. M-type potassium currents differentially affect activation of motoneuron subtypes and tune recruitment gain. J Physiol 2023; 601:5751-5775. [PMID: 37988235 DOI: 10.1113/jp285348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The size principle is a key mechanism governing the orderly recruitment of motor units and is believed to be dependent on passive properties of the constituent motoneurons. However, motoneurons are endowed with voltage-sensitive ion channels that create non-linearities in their input-output functions. Here we describe a role for the M-type potassium current, conducted by KCNQ channels, in the control of motoneuron recruitment in mice. Motoneurons were studied with whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology in transverse spinal slices and identified based on delayed (fast) and immediate (slow) onsets of repetitive firing. M-currents were larger in delayed compared to immediate firing motoneurons, which was not reflected by variations in the presence of Kv7.2 or Kv7.3 subunits. Instead, a more depolarized spike threshold in delayed-firing motoneurons afforded a greater proportion of the total M-current to become activated within the subthreshold voltage range, which translated to a greater influence on their recruitment with little influence on their firing rates. Pharmacological activation of M-currents also influenced motoneuron recruitment at the population level, producing a rightward shift in the recruitment curve of monosynaptic reflexes within isolated mouse spinal cords. These results demonstrate a prominent role for M-type potassium currents in regulating the function of motor units, which occurs primarily through the differential control of motoneuron subtype recruitment. More generally, these findings highlight the importance of active properties mediated by voltage-sensitive ion channels in the differential control of motoneuron recruitment, which is a key mechanism for the gradation of muscle force. KEY POINTS: M-currents exert an inhibitory influence on spinal motor output. This inhibitory influence is exerted by controlling the recruitment, but not the firing rate, of high-threshold fast-like motoneurons, with limited influence on low-threshold slow-like motoneurons. Preferential control of fast motoneurons may be linked to a larger M-current that is activated within the subthreshold voltage range compared to slow motoneurons. Larger M-currents in fast compared to slow motoneurons are not accounted for by differences in Kv7.2 or Kv7.3 channel composition. The orderly recruitment of motoneuron subtypes is shaped by differences in the contribution of voltage-gated ion channels, including KCNQ channels. KCNQ channels may provide a target to dynamically modulate the recruitment gain across the motor pool and readily adjust movement vigour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon A Sharples
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Fife, UK
| | | | - James A Gray
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Fife, UK
| | - Gareth B Miles
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Fife, UK
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4
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Boyer M, Baudin P, Stengel C, Valero-Cabré A, Lohof AM, Charpier S, Sherrard RM, Mahon S. In vivo low-intensity magnetic pulses durably alter neocortical neuron excitability and spontaneous activity. J Physiol 2022; 600:4019-4037. [PMID: 35899578 DOI: 10.1113/jp283244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising technique to alleviate neurological and psychiatric disorders caused by alterations in cortical activity. Our knowledge of the cellular mechanisms underlying rTMS-based therapies remains limited. We combined in vivo focal application of low-intensity rTMS (LI-rTMS) to the rat somatosensory cortex with intracellular recordings of subjacent pyramidal neurons to characterize the effects of weak magnetic fields at single cell level. Ten minutes of LI-rTMS delivered at 10 Hz reliably evoked action potentials in cortical neurons during the stimulation period, and induced durable attenuation of their intrinsic excitability, synaptic activity, and spontaneous firing. These results help us better understand the mechanisms of weak magnetic stimulation and should allow optimizing the effectiveness of stimulation protocols for clinical use. ABSTRACT Magnetic brain stimulation is a promising treatment for neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, a better understanding of its effects at the individual neuron level is essential to improve its clinical application. We combined focal low-intensity repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LI-rTMS) to the rat somatosensory cortex with intracellular recordings of subjacent pyramidal neurons in vivo. Continuous 10 Hz LI-rTMS reliably evoked firing at ∼4-5 Hz during the stimulation period and induced durable attenuation of synaptic activity and spontaneous firing in cortical neurons, through membrane hyperpolarization and a reduced intrinsic excitability. However, inducing firing in individual neurons by repeated intracellular current injection did not reproduce LI-rTMS effects on neuronal properties. These data provide novel understanding of mechanisms underlying magnetic brain stimulation showing that, in addition to inducing biochemical plasticity, even weak magnetic fields can activate neurons and enduringly modulate their excitability. Abstract figure legend We examined by means of in vivo intracellular recordings in the rodent the effects of low-intensity (10 mT) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LI-rTMS) on the functional properties of primary somatosensory cortex pyramidal neurons. After a baseline period, during which cortical spontaneous activity and excitability were measured (Pre), LI-rTMS was applied at 10 Hz for 10 minutes. Despite their low intensity, magnetic pulses reliably evoked action potentials in cortical neurons. Ten minutes of LI-rTMS induced a progressive and long-lasting hyperpolarization of the neuronal membrane and a marked decrease in cell firing rate (Post). This was associated with an altered intrinsic neuronal excitability, characterized by reduced membrane input resistance and increased minimal current required to induce neuronal firing. A portion of this figure was created with biorender.com. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Boyer
- IBPS-B2A, UMR 8256 Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Sorbonne Université & CNRS, Paris, 75005, France.,Paris Brain Institute-ICM, INSERM, CNRS, APHP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, team 'Network Dynamics and cellular excitability', Sorbonne Université, Paris, France, 75013
| | - Paul Baudin
- Paris Brain Institute-ICM, INSERM, CNRS, APHP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, team 'Network Dynamics and cellular excitability', Sorbonne Université, Paris, France, 75013
| | - Chloé Stengel
- Paris Brain Institute-ICM, INSERM, CNRS, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, team Cerebral Dynamics, Plasticity and Rehabilitation Group, FRONTLAB team, Sorbonne Université, Paris, 75013, France
| | - Antoni Valero-Cabré
- Paris Brain Institute-ICM, INSERM, CNRS, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, team Cerebral Dynamics, Plasticity and Rehabilitation Group, FRONTLAB team, Sorbonne Université, Paris, 75013, France
| | - Ann M Lohof
- IBPS-B2A, UMR 8256 Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Sorbonne Université & CNRS, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Stéphane Charpier
- Paris Brain Institute-ICM, INSERM, CNRS, APHP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, team 'Network Dynamics and cellular excitability', Sorbonne Université, Paris, France, 75013
| | - Rachel M Sherrard
- IBPS-B2A, UMR 8256 Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Sorbonne Université & CNRS, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Séverine Mahon
- Paris Brain Institute-ICM, INSERM, CNRS, APHP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, team 'Network Dynamics and cellular excitability', Sorbonne Université, Paris, France, 75013
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5
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Conventional measures of intrinsic excitability are poor estimators of neuronal activity under realistic synaptic inputs. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009378. [PMID: 34529674 PMCID: PMC8478185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity-dependent regulation of intrinsic excitability has been shown to greatly contribute to the overall plasticity of neuronal circuits. Such neuroadaptations are commonly investigated in patch clamp experiments using current step stimulation and the resulting input-output functions are analyzed to quantify alterations in intrinsic excitability. However, it is rarely addressed, how such changes translate to the function of neurons when they operate under natural synaptic inputs. Still, it is reasonable to expect that a strong correlation and near proportional relationship exist between static firing responses and those evoked by synaptic drive. We challenge this view by performing a high-yield electrophysiological analysis of cultured mouse hippocampal neurons using both standard protocols and simulated synaptic inputs via dynamic clamp. We find that under these conditions the neurons exhibit vastly different firing responses with surprisingly weak correlation between static and dynamic firing intensities. These contrasting responses are regulated by two intrinsic K-currents mediated by Kv1 and Kir channels, respectively. Pharmacological manipulation of the K-currents produces differential regulation of the firing output of neurons. Static firing responses are greatly increased in stuttering type neurons under blocking their Kv1 channels, while the synaptic responses of the same neurons are less affected. Pharmacological blocking of Kir-channels in delayed firing type neurons, on the other hand, exhibit the opposite effects. Our subsequent computational model simulations confirm the findings in the electrophysiological experiments and also show that adaptive changes in the kinetic properties of such currents can even produce paradoxical regulation of the firing output.
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6
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Wosniack ME, Kirchner JH, Chao LY, Zabouri N, Lohmann C, Gjorgjieva J. Adaptation of spontaneous activity in the developing visual cortex. eLife 2021; 10:61619. [PMID: 33722342 PMCID: PMC7963484 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous activity drives the establishment of appropriate connectivity in different circuits during brain development. In the mouse primary visual cortex, two distinct patterns of spontaneous activity occur before vision onset: local low-synchronicity events originating in the retina and global high-synchronicity events originating in the cortex. We sought to determine the contribution of these activity patterns to jointly organize network connectivity through different activity-dependent plasticity rules. We postulated that local events shape cortical input selectivity and topography, while global events homeostatically regulate connection strength. However, to generate robust selectivity, we found that global events should adapt their amplitude to the history of preceding cortical activation. We confirmed this prediction by analyzing in vivo spontaneous cortical activity. The predicted adaptation leads to the sparsification of spontaneous activity on a slower timescale during development, demonstrating the remarkable capacity of the developing sensory cortex to acquire sensitivity to visual inputs after eye-opening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina E Wosniack
- Computation in Neural Circuits Group, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany.,School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Jan H Kirchner
- Computation in Neural Circuits Group, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany.,School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Ling-Ya Chao
- Computation in Neural Circuits Group, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nawal Zabouri
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christian Lohmann
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julijana Gjorgjieva
- Computation in Neural Circuits Group, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany.,School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
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7
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Deardorff AS, Romer SH, Fyffe RE. Location, location, location: the organization and roles of potassium channels in mammalian motoneurons. J Physiol 2021; 599:1391-1420. [DOI: 10.1113/jp278675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adam S. Deardorff
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Dayton OH 45435 USA
- Department of Neurology and Internal Medicine, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Dayton OH 45435 USA
| | - Shannon H. Romer
- Odyssey Systems Environmental Health Effects Laboratory, Navy Medical Research Unit‐Dayton Wright‐Patterson Air Force Base OH 45433 USA
| | - Robert E.W. Fyffe
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Dayton OH 45435 USA
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8
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Lazo PA, García JL, Gómez-Puertas P, Marcos-Alcalde Í, Arjona C, Villarroel A, González-Sarmiento R, Fons C. Novel Dominant KCNQ2 Exon 7 Partial In-Frame Duplication in a Complex Epileptic and Neurodevelopmental Delay Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124447. [PMID: 32585800 PMCID: PMC7352878 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex neurodevelopmental syndromes frequently have an unknown etiology, in which genetic factors play a pathogenic role. This study utilizes whole-exome sequencing (WES) to examine four members of a family with a son presenting, since birth, with epileptic-like crises, combined with cerebral palsy, severe neuromotor and developmental delay, dystonic tetraparexia, axonal motor affectation, and hyper-excitability of unknown origin. The WES study detected within the patient a de novo heterozygous in-frame duplication of thirty-six nucleotides within exon 7 of the human KCNQ2 gene. This insertion duplicates the first twelve amino acids of the calmodulin binding site I. Molecular dynamics simulations of this KCNQ2 peptide duplication, modelled on the 3D structure of the KCNQ2 protein, suggest that the duplication may lead to the dysregulation of calcium inhibition of this protein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A. Lazo
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, 30007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.G.); (R.G.-S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 30007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Juan L. García
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, 30007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.G.); (R.G.-S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 30007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Paulino Gómez-Puertas
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain; (P.G.-P.); (Í.M.-A.)
| | - Íñigo Marcos-Alcalde
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain; (P.G.-P.); (Í.M.-A.)
- Biosciences Research Institute, School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cesar Arjona
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, 08950 Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.); (C.F.)
- Instituto Pediátrico de Enfermedades Raras (IPER), Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alvaro Villarroel
- Instituto de Biofísica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad del País Vasco, 48940 Bilbao, Spain;
| | - Rogelio González-Sarmiento
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, 30007 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.G.); (R.G.-S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 30007 Salamanca, Spain
- Unidad de Genética Molecular, Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carmen Fons
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, 08950 Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.); (C.F.)
- Neurology Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute and CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Bączyk M, Drzymała-Celichowska H, Mrówczyński W, Krutki P. Long-lasting modifications of motoneuron firing properties by trans-spinal direct current stimulation in rats. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 51:1743-1755. [PMID: 31677210 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is a novel neuromodulatory technique that has been used during neurological rehabilitation and sports to modulate muscle activation. However, the physiological mechanisms that underly the long-lasting functional effects of polarization are not yet fully understood, nor are their relationships with specific neuronal populations. The acute facilitatory and depressive effects of anodal and cathodal polarization on motoneurons have been recently demonstrated, and the aim of this study was to determine whether tsDCS-evoked modulations of motoneuron properties are able to persist over several hours. Intracellular recordings from multiple antidromically identified rat motoneurons were performed both before and after the application of tsDCS (0.1 mA for 15 min), at various time points up to 180 min after the offset of anodal or cathodal tsDCS. The examined effects of anodal polarization included decreased rheobase, voltage threshold, the minimum and maximum currents necessary for rhythmic firing, increased rhythmic firing frequencies and the slope of the f-I relationship. The majority of these facilitatory changes to threshold and firing properties were sustained for 30-60 min after polarization. In contrast, the significant effects of cathodal polarization were absent, except the short-lasting decreased ability for motoneurons to induce rhythmic activity. This study provides direct evidence that a single polarization session can alter the electrophysiological properties of motoneurons for at least one hour and provides a basis for the further use of tsDCS techniques under conditions where the sustained modification of motoneuron firing is desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Bączyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Hanna Drzymała-Celichowska
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland.,Department of Biochemistry, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Krutki
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
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10
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Balanced cholinergic modulation of spinal locomotor circuits via M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14051. [PMID: 31575899 PMCID: PMC6773880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50452-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation ensures that neural circuits produce output that is flexible whilst remaining within an optimal operational range. The neuromodulator acetylcholine is released during locomotion to regulate spinal motor circuits. However, the range of receptors and downstream mechanisms by which acetylcholine acts have yet to be fully elucidated. We therefore investigated metabotropic acetylcholine receptor-mediated modulation by using isolated spinal cord preparations from neonatal mice in which locomotor-related output can be induced pharmacologically. We report that M2 receptor blockade decreases the frequency and amplitude of locomotor-related activity, whilst reducing its variability. In contrast, M3 receptor blockade destabilizes locomotor-related bursting. Motoneuron recordings from spinal cord slices revealed that activation of M2 receptors induces an outward current, decreases rheobase, reduces the medium afterhyperpolarization, shortens spike duration and decreases synaptic inputs. In contrast, M3 receptor activation elicits an inward current, increases rheobase, extends action potential duration and increases synaptic inputs. Analysis of miniature postsynaptic currents support that M2 and M3 receptors modulate synaptic transmission via different mechanisms. In summary, we demonstrate that M2 and M3 receptors have opposing modulatory actions on locomotor circuit output, likely reflecting contrasting cellular mechanisms of action. Thus, intraspinal cholinergic systems mediate balanced, multimodal control of spinal motor output.
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11
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Bączyk M, Drzymała-Celichowska H, Mrówczyński W, Krutki P. Motoneuron firing properties are modified by trans-spinal direct current stimulation in rats. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019; 126:1232-1241. [PMID: 30789288 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00803.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal polarization evoked by direct current stimulation [trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS)] is a novel method for altering spinal network excitability; however, it remains not well understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether tsDCS influences spinal motoneuron activity. Twenty Wistar rats under general pentobarbital anesthesia were subjected to 15 min anodal (n = 10) or cathodal (n = 10) tsDCS of 0.1 mA intensity, and the electrophysiological properties of their motoneurons were intracellularly measured before, during, and after direct current application. The major effects of anodal intervention included increased minimum firing frequency and the slope of the frequency-current (f-I) relationship, as well as decreased rheobase and currents evoking steady-state firing (SSF). The effects of cathodal polarization included decreased maximum SSF frequency, decreased f-I slope, and decreased current evoking the maximum SSF. Notably, the majority of observed effects appeared immediately after the current onset, developed during polarization, and outlasted it for at least 15 min. Moreover, the effects of anodal polarization were generally more pronounced and uniform than those evoked by cathodal polarization. Our study is the first to present polarity-dependent, long-lasting changes in spinal motoneuron firing following tsDCS, which may aid in the development of more safe and accurate application protocols in medicine and sport. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Trans-spinal direct current stimulation induces significant polarity-dependent, long-lasting changes in the threshold and firing properties of spinal motoneurons. Anodal polarization potentiates motoneuron firing whereas cathodal polarization acts mainly toward firing inhibition. The alterations in rheobase and rhythmic firing properties are not restricted to the period of current application and can be observed long after the current offset.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bączyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education , Poznań , Poland
| | - H Drzymała-Celichowska
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education , Poznań , Poland.,Department of Biochemistry, Poznań University of Physical Education , Poznań , Poland
| | - W Mrówczyński
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education , Poznań , Poland
| | - P Krutki
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education , Poznań , Poland
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12
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Sun J, Harrington MA. The Alteration of Intrinsic Excitability and Synaptic Transmission in Lumbar Spinal Motor Neurons and Interneurons of Severe Spinal Muscular Atrophy Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:15. [PMID: 30792629 PMCID: PMC6374350 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of death in infants. Studies with mouse models have demonstrated increased excitability and loss of afferent proprioceptive synapses on motor neurons (MNs). To further understand functional changes in the motor neural network occurring in SMA, we studied the intrinsic excitability and synaptic transmission of both MNs and interneurons (INs) from ventral horn in the lumbar spinal cord in the survival motor neuron (SMN)Δ7 mouse model. We found significant differences in the membrane properties of MNs in SMA mice compared to littermate controls, including hyperpolarized resting membrane potential, increased input resistance and decreased membrane capacitance. Action potential (AP) properties in MNs from SMA mice were also different from controls, including decreased rheobase current, increased amplitude and an increased afterdepolarization (ADP) potential. The relationship between AP firing frequency and injected current was reduced in MNs, as was the threshold current, while the percentage of MNs showing long-lasting potentiation (LLP) in the intrinsic excitability was higher in SMA mice. INs showed a high rate of spontaneous firing, and those from SMA mice fired at higher frequency. INs from SMA mice showed little difference in their input-output relationship, threshold current, and plasticity in intrinsic excitability. The changes observed in both passive membrane and AP properties suggest greater overall excitability in both MNs and INs in SMA mice, with MNs showing more differences. There were also changes of synaptic currents in SMA mice. The average charge transfer per post-synaptic current of spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents (sEPSCs/sIPSCs) were lower in SMA MNs, while in INs sIPSC frequency was higher. Strikingly in light of the known loss of excitatory synapses on MNs, there was no difference in sEPSC frequency in MNs from SMA mice compared to controls. For miniature synaptic currents, mEPSC frequency was higher in SMA MNs, while for SMA INs, both mEPSC and mIPSC frequencies were higher. In SMA-affected mice we observed alterations of intrinsic and synaptic properties in both MNs and INs in the spinal motor network that may contribute to the pathophysiology, or alternatively, may be a compensatory response to preserve network function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Sun
- Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, United States.,Department of Biological Science, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, United States
| | - Melissa A Harrington
- Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, United States.,Department of Biological Science, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, United States
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Yu T, Li L, Liu H, Li H, Liu Z, Li Z. KCNQ2/3/5 channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons can be therapeutic targets of neuropathic pain in diabetic rats. Mol Pain 2018; 14:1744806918793229. [PMID: 30027794 PMCID: PMC6088482 DOI: 10.1177/1744806918793229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic neuropathic pain is poorly controlled by analgesics, and the precise molecular mechanisms underlying hyperalgesia remain unclear. The KCNQ2/3/5 channels expressed in dorsal root ganglion neurons are important in pain transmission. The expression and activity of KCNQ2/3/5 channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons in rats with diabetic neuropathic pain were investigated in this study. Methods The mRNA levels of KCNQ2/3/5 channels were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein levels of KCNQ2/3/5 channels were evaluated by Western blot assay. KCNQ2/3/5 channel expression in situ in dorsal root ganglion neurons was detected by double fluorescent labeling technique. M current (IM) density and neuronal excitability were determined by whole-cell voltage and current clamp recordings. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed by von Frey filaments and plantar analgesia tester, respectively. Results The mRNA and protein levels of KCNQ2/3/5 channels significantly decreased, followed by the reduction of IM density and elevation of neuronal excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons from diabetic rats. Activation of KCNQ channels with retigabine reduced the hyperexcitability and inhibition of KCNQ channels with XE991 enhanced the hyperexcitability. Administration of retigabine alleviated both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, while XE991 augmented both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in diabetic neuropathic pain in rats. Conclusion The findings elucidate the mechanisms by which downregulation of the expression and reduction of the activity of KCNQ2/3/5 channels in diabetic rat dorsal root ganglion neurons contribute to neuronal hyperexcitability, which results in hyperalgesia. These data provide intriguing evidence that activation of KCNQ2/3/5 channels might be the potential new targets for alleviating diabetic neuropathic pain symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yu
- 1 Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,2 Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Lei Li
- 3 Department of Diagnosis, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Huaxiang Liu
- 4 Department of Rheumatology, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Li
- 5 Department of Orthopaedics, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- 1 Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenzhong Li
- 1 Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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