1
|
Ablation of p75 NTR signaling strengthens gamma-theta rhythm interaction and counteracts Aβ-induced degradation of neuronal dynamics in mouse hippocampus in vitro. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:212. [PMID: 33837176 PMCID: PMC8035168 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01332-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma and theta brain rhythms play important roles in cognition and their interaction can affect gamma oscillation features. Hippocampal theta oscillations depend on cholinergic and GABAergic input from the medial septum-diagonal band of Broca. These projecting neurons undergo degeneration during aging and maintain high levels of neurotrophin receptor p75 (p75NTR). p75NTR mediates both apoptosis and survival and its expression is increased in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Here, we investigate the importance of p75NTR for the cholinergic input to the hippocampus. Performing extracellular recordings in brain slices from p75NTR knockout mice (p75-/-) in presence of the muscarinic agonist carbachol, we find that gamma oscillation power and rhythmicity are increased compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, gamma activity is more phase-locked to the underlying theta rhythm, which renders a stronger coupling of both rhythms. On the cellular level, we find that fast-spiking interneurons (FSNs) fire more synchronized to a preferred gamma phase in p75-/- mice. The excitatory input onto FSN is more rhythmic displaying a higher similarity with the concomitant gamma rhythm. Notably, the ablation of p75NTR counteracts the Aβ-induced degradation of gamma oscillations and its nesting within the underlying theta rhythm. Our results show that the lack of p75NTR signaling could promote stronger cholinergic modulation of the hippocampal gamma rhythm, suggesting an involvement of p75NTR in the downregulation of cognition-relevant hippocampal network dynamics in pathologies. Moreover, functional data provided here suggest p75NTR as a suitable target in the search for efficacious treatments to counteract the loss of cognitive function observed in amyloid-driven pathologies such as AD.
Collapse
|
2
|
Subramaniam S, Blake DT, Constantinidis C. Cholinergic Deep Brain Stimulation for Memory and Cognitive Disorders. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 83:491-503. [PMID: 34334401 PMCID: PMC8543284 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Memory and cognitive impairment as sequelae of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and age-related dementia are major health issues with increasing social and economic burden. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as a potential treatment to slow or halt progression of the disease state. The selection of stimulation target is critical, and structures that have been targeted for memory and cognitive enhancement include the Papez circuit, structures projecting to the frontal lobe such as the ventral internal capsule, and the cholinergic forebrain. Recent human clinical and animal model results imply that DBS of the nucleus basalis of Meynert can induce a therapeutic modulation of neuronal activity. Benefits include enhanced activity across the cortical mantle, and potential for amelioration of neuropathological mechanisms associated with Alzheimer's disease. The choice of stimulation parameters is also critical. High-frequency, continuous stimulation is used for movement disorders as a way of inhibiting their output; however, no overexcitation has been hypothesized in Alzheimer's disease and lower stimulation frequency or intermittent patterns of stimulation (periods of stimulation interleaved with periods of no stimulation) are likely to be more effective for stimulation of the cholinergic forebrain. Efficacy and long-term tolerance in human patients remain open questions, though the cumulative experience gained by DBS for movement disorders provides assurance for the safety of the procedure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saravanan Subramaniam
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - David T. Blake
- Brain and Behavior Discovery Institute, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Christos Constantinidis
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Restored presynaptic synaptophysin and cholinergic inputs contribute to the protective effects of physical running on spatial memory in aged mice. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104586. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
|
4
|
Bullmann T, Feneberg E, Kretzschmann TP, Ogunlade V, Holzer M, Arendt T. Hibernation Impairs Odor Discrimination - Implications for Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neuroanat 2019; 13:69. [PMID: 31379517 PMCID: PMC6646461 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2019.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversible formation of PHF-like phosphorylated tau, an early feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was previously shown to occur in torpor during hibernation in the Golden hamster (Syrian hamster, Mesocricetus auratus). Here, we tackled the question to what extent hibernating Golden hamsters can serve as a model for the early stage of AD. During early AD, anosmia, the loss of olfactory function, is a common and typical feature. We, thus, investigated tau phosphorylation, synaptic plasticity and behavioral physiology of the olfactory system during hibernation. Tau was phosphorylated on several AD-relevant epitopes, and distribution of PHF-like phosphorylated tau in the olfactory bulb was quite similar to what is seen in AD. Tau phosphorylation was not associated with a destabilization of microtubules and did not lead to fibril formation. Previously, we observed a transient spine reduction in pyramidal cells in the hippocampus, which is correlated with the distribution of phosphorylated tau. Here we show that granule cells in the olfactory bulb are devoid of phosphorylated tau and maintain their spines number during torpor. No reduction of synaptic proteins was observed. However, hibernation did impair the recall performance in a two-odor discrimination task. We conclude that hibernation is associated with a specific olfactory memory deficit, which might not be attributed to the formation of PHF-like phosphorylated tau within the olfactory bulb. We discuss a possible involvement of modulatory input provided by cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain, which are affected by hibernation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Bullmann
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Emily Feneberg
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tanja Petra Kretzschmann
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Vera Ogunlade
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Max Holzer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Arendt
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chi L, Du K, Liu D, Bo Y, Li W. Electroacupuncture brain protection during ischemic stroke: A role for the parasympathetic nervous system. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2018; 38:479-491. [PMID: 28281385 PMCID: PMC5851138 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17697988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The demand for using parasympathetic activation for stroke therapy is unmet. In the current study, we investigated whether the neuroprotection provided by electroacupuncture (EA) in an experimental stroke model was associated with activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The results showed that parasympathetic dysfunction (PD), performed as unilateral vagotomy combined with peripheral atropine, attenuated both the functional benefits of EA and its effects in improving cerebral perfusion, reducing infarct volume, and hindering apoptosis, neuronal and peripheral inflammation, and oxidative stress. Most importantly, EA rats showed a dramatically less reduction in the mRNA level of choline acetyltransferase, five subtypes of muscarinic receptors and α7nAChR, suggesting the inhibition of the impairment of the central cholinergic system; EA also activated dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, the largest source of parasympathetic pre-ganglionic neurons in the lower brainstem (detected by c-fos immunohistochemistry), and PD suppressed these changes. These findings indicated EA may serve as an alternative modality of PNS activation for stroke therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laiting Chi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Lab of Research on Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Kairong Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Lab of Research on Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Dongdong Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Lab of Research on Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yulong Bo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Lab of Research on Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Wenzhi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Province Key Lab of Research on Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mechanisms of Acupuncture Therapy for Cerebral Ischemia: an Evidence-Based Review of Clinical and Animal Studies on Cerebral Ischemia. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2017; 12:575-592. [DOI: 10.1007/s11481-017-9747-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
7
|
Di Lorenzo F, Ponzo V, Bonnì S, Motta C, Negrão Serra PC, Bozzali M, Caltagirone C, Martorana A, Koch G. Long-term potentiation-like cortical plasticity is disrupted in Alzheimer's disease patients independently from age of onset. Ann Neurol 2016; 80:202-10. [DOI: 10.1002/ana.24695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Di Lorenzo
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology; Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS; Rome Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine; University of Rome Tor Vergata; Rome Italy
| | - Viviana Ponzo
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology; Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | - Sonia Bonnì
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology; Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | - Caterina Motta
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology; Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS; Rome Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine; University of Rome Tor Vergata; Rome Italy
| | | | - Marco Bozzali
- Neuroimaging Laboratory; Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology; Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS; Rome Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine; University of Rome Tor Vergata; Rome Italy
| | | | - Giacomo Koch
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit/Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology; Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS; Rome Italy
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neuroscience; Tor Vergata Policlinic; Rome Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Härtig W, Saul A, Kacza J, Grosche J, Goldhammer S, Michalski D, Wirths O. Immunolesion-induced loss of cholinergic projection neurones promotes β-amyloidosis and tau hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus of triple-transgenic mice. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2014; 40:106-20. [DOI: 10.1111/nan.12050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W. Härtig
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research; University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - A. Saul
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry; Department of Psychiatry; University of Göttingen; Göttingen Germany
| | - J. Kacza
- Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - J. Grosche
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research; University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - S. Goldhammer
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research; University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - D. Michalski
- Department of Neurology; University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - O. Wirths
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry; Department of Psychiatry; University of Göttingen; Göttingen Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Khan ZU, Martín-Montañez E, Navarro-Lobato I, Muly EC. Memory deficits in aging and neurological diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2014; 122:1-29. [PMID: 24484696 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-420170-5.00001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Memory is central to our ability to perform daily life activities and correctly function in society. Improvements in public health and medical treatment for a variety of diseases have resulted in longer life spans; however, age-related memory impairments have been significant sources of morbidity. Loss in memory function is not only associated with aging population but is also a feature of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and other psychiatric and neurological disorders. Here, we focus on current understanding of the impact of normal aging on memory and what is known about its mechanisms, and further review pathological mechanisms behind the cause of dementia in Alzheimer's disease. Finally, we discuss schizophrenia and look into abnormalities in circuit function and neurotransmitter systems that contribute to memory impairment in this illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zafar U Khan
- Laboratory of Neurobiology at CIMES, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain; Department of Medicine at Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Elisa Martín-Montañez
- Laboratory of Neurobiology at CIMES, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain; Department of Pharmacology at Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Irene Navarro-Lobato
- Laboratory of Neurobiology at CIMES, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain; Department of Medicine at Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - E Chris Muly
- Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurological Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Electroacupuncture acutely improves cerebral blood flow and attenuates moderate ischemic injury via an endothelial mechanism in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56736. [PMID: 23418594 PMCID: PMC3572074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) is a novel therapy based on traditional acupuncture combined with modern eletrotherapy that is currently being investigated as a treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Here, we studied whether acute EA stimulation improves tissue and functional outcome following experimentally induced cerebral ischemia in mice. We hypothesized that endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-mediated perfusion augmentation was related to the beneficial effects of EA by interventions in acute ischemic injury. EA stimulation at Baihui (GV20) and Dazhui (GV14) increased cerebral perfusion in the cerebral cortex, which was suppressed in eNOS KO, but there was no mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) response. The increased perfusion elicited by EA were completely abolished by a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) blocker (atropine), but not a β-adrenergic receptor blocker (propranolol), an α-adrenergic receptor blocker (phentolamine), or a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) blocker (mecamylamine). In addition, EA increased acetylcholine (ACh) release and mAChR M3 expression in the cerebral cortex. Acute EA stimulation after occlusion significantly reduced infarct volume by 34.5% when compared to a control group of mice at 24 h after 60 min-middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) (moderate ischemic injury), but not 90-min MCAO (severe ischemic injury). Furthermore, the impact of EA on moderate ischemic injury was totally abolished in eNOS KO. Consistent with a smaller infarct size, acute EA stimulation led to prominent improvement of neurological function and vestibule-motor function. Our results suggest that acute EA stimulation after moderate focal cerebral ischemia, but not severe ischemia improves tissue and functional recovery and ACh/eNOS-mediated perfusion augmentation might be related to these beneficial effects of EA by interventions in acute ischemic injury.
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhao Q, Niu Y, Matsumoto K, Tsuneyama K, Tanaka K, Miyata T, Yokozawa T. Chotosan ameliorates cognitive and emotional deficits in an animal model of type 2 diabetes: possible involvement of cholinergic and VEGF/PDGF mechanisms in the brain. Altern Ther Health Med 2012; 12:188. [PMID: 23082896 PMCID: PMC3564934 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is one of the risk factors for cognitive deficits such as Alzheimer's disease. To obtain a better understanding of the anti-dementia effect of chotosan (CTS), a Kampo formula, we investigated its effects on cognitive and emotional deficits of type 2 diabetic db/db mice and putative mechanism(s) underlying the effects. METHODS Seven-week-old db/db mice received daily administration of CTS (375 - 750 mg/kg, p.o.) and the reference drug tacrine (THA: 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) during an experimental period of 7 weeks. From the age of 9-week-old, the animals underwent the novel object recognition test, the modified Y-maze test, and the water maze test to elucidate cognitive performance and the elevated plus maze test to elucidate anxiety-related behavior. After completing behavioral studies, Western blotting and immunohistochemical studies were conducted. RESULTS Compared with age-matched non-diabetic control strain (m/m) mice, db/db mice exhibited impaired cognitive performance and an increased level of anxiety. CTS ameliorated cognitive and emotional deficits of db/db mice, whereas THA improved only cognitive performance. The phosphorylated levels of Akt and PKCα in the hippocampus were significantly lower and higher, respectively, in db/db mice than in m/m mice. Expression levels of the hippocampal cholinergic marker proteins and the number of the septal cholinergic neurons were also reduced in db/db mice compared with those in m/m mice. Moreover, the db/db mice had significantly reduced levels of vasculogenesis/angiogenesis factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor type 2, platelet-derived growth factor-B, and PDGF receptor β, in the hippocampus. CTS and THA treatment reversed these neurochemical and histological alterations caused by diabetes. CONCLUSION These results suggest that CTS ameliorates diabetes-induced cognitive deficits by protecting central cholinergic and VEGF/PDGF systems via Akt signaling pathway and that CTS exhibits the anxiolytic effect via neuronal mechanism(s) independent of cholinergic or VEGF/PDGF systems in db/db mice.
Collapse
|
12
|
Shim S, Kwon J. Effects of [6]-shogaol on cholinergic signaling in HT22 cells following neuronal damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. Food Chem Toxicol 2012; 50:1454-9. [PMID: 22381256 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Revised: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cholinergic neurons play a major role in memory and attention. The dysfunction and death of these neurons, especially in the hippocampus, are thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of memory deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, studying the cholinergic properties and cell survival may help in treating this disease. We investigated the possible effects of [6]-shogaol on cholinergic signaling in HT22 hippocampal neuronal cells. HT22 cells express essential cholinergic markers, including choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and choline transporter (ChTp). HT22 cells treated with H(2)O(2) for 3h showed an increase in ROS production (35%). These features were partly recovered by [6]-shogaol. Treating H(2)O(2)-treated HT22 cells with [6]-shogaol markedly increased the expression of ChAT and ChTp, an effect similar to that of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Furthermore, K-252a, an inhibitor of the BDNF receptor Trk B, attenuated the effects of both [6]-shogaol and BDNF. These data suggest that [6]-shogaol protects neurons by increasing ChAT and ChTp expression through a BDNF increase and thus may be useful for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sehwan Shim
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561 756, Republic of Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dysfunctional nucleus tractus solitarius: its crucial role in promoting neuropathogenetic cascade of Alzheimer's dementia--a novel hypothesis. Neurochem Res 2012; 37:846-68. [PMID: 22219130 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-011-0680-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Revised: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiological mechanism(s) underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) still remain unclear, and no disease-modifying or prophylactic therapies are currently available. Unraveling the fundamental neuropathogenesis of AD is an important challenge. Several studies on AD have suggested lesions in a number of CNS areas including the basal forebrain, hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, amygdale/insula, and the locus coeruleus. However, plausible unifying studies on the upstream factors that involve these heterogeneous regions and herald the onset of AD pathogenesis are not available. The current article presents a novel nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) vector hypothesis that underpins several disparate biological mechanisms and neural circuits, and identifies relevant hallmarks of major presumptive causative factor(s) linked to the NTS, in older/aging individuals. Aging, obesity, infection, sleep apnea, smoking, neuropsychological states, and hypothermia-all activate inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. The synergistic impact of systemic proinflammatory mediators activates microglia and promotes neuroinflammation. Acutely, the innate immune response is protective defending against pathogens/toxins; however, when chronic, it causes neuroinflammation and neuronal dysfunction, particularly in brainstem and neocortex. The NTS in the brainstem is an essential multiple signaling hub, and an extremely important central integration site of baroreceptor, chemoreceptor, and a multitude of sensory afferents from gustatory, gastrointestinal, cardiac, pulmonary, and upper airway systems. Owing to persistent neuroinflammation, the dysfunctional NTS exerts deleterious impact on nucleus ambiguus, dorsal motor nucleus of vagus, hypoglossal, parabrachial, locus coeruleus and many key nuclei in the brainstem, and the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, insula, and basal forebrain in the neocortex. The neuronal and synaptic dysfunction emanating from the inflamed NTS may affect its interconnected pathways impacting almost the entire CNS--which is already primed by neuroinflammation, thus promoting cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The upstream factors discussed here may underpin the neuropathopgenesis of AD. AD pathology is multifactorial; the current perspective underscores the value of attenuating disparate upstream factors--in conjunction with anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-oxidant pharmacotherapy. Amelioration of the NTS pathology may be of central importance in countering the neuropathological cascade of AD. The NTS, therefore, may be a potential target of novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
14
|
Languille S, Blanc S, Blin O, Canale CI, Dal-Pan A, Devau G, Dhenain M, Dorieux O, Epelbaum J, Gomez D, Hardy I, Henry PY, Irving EA, Marchal J, Mestre-Francés N, Perret M, Picq JL, Pifferi F, Rahman A, Schenker E, Terrien J, Théry M, Verdier JM, Aujard F. The grey mouse lemur: a non-human primate model for ageing studies. Ageing Res Rev 2012; 11:150-62. [PMID: 21802530 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Revised: 07/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The use of non-human primate models is required to understand the ageing process and evaluate new therapies against age-associated pathologies. The present article summarizes all the contributions of the grey mouse lemur Microcebus murinus, a small nocturnal prosimian primate, to the understanding of the mechanisms of ageing. Results from studies of both healthy and pathological ageing research on the grey mouse lemur demonstrated that this animal is a unique model to study age-dependent changes in endocrine systems, biological rhythms, thermoregulation, sensorial, cerebral and cognitive functions.
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhao Q, Matsumoto K, Tsuneyama K, Tanaka K, Li F, Shibahara N, Miyata T, Yokozawa T. Diabetes-induced central cholinergic neuronal loss and cognitive deficit are attenuated by tacrine and a Chinese herbal prescription, kangen-karyu: elucidation in type 2 diabetes db/db mice. J Pharmacol Sci 2011; 117:230-42. [PMID: 22083044 DOI: 10.1254/jphs.11115fp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effect of kangen-karyu (KK), a Chinese herbal prescription, on cognitive deficits and central cholinergic systems of type 2 diabetic db/db mice. Seven-week-old db/db (Y-db/db) mice received daily administration of test drugs during an experimental period of 12 weeks. At 18 weeks of age (O-db/db), the animals underwent the water maze test. Compared with age-matched control strain mice (O-m/m), vehicle-treated O-db/db mice showed impaired learning and memory performance. KK (100 - 200 mg/kg per day) and the reference drug tacrine (THA: 2.5 mg/kg per day) ameliorated the performance of O-db/db mice without affecting their serum glucose level. O-db/db mice had lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and its protein in the brain than O-m/m mice. Expression levels of central cholinergic marker proteins in the hippocampus and the number of cholinergic cells in the medial septum and basal forebrain were also significantly lower in O-db/db than in O-m/m mice, whereas no significant differences in the expression levels of these factors and the cell number were found between Y-m/m and Y-db/db mice. KK and THA treatment significantly reversed the down-regulated levels of cholinergic markers, choline acetyltransferase-positive cell number, and BDNF expression in db/db mice. These findings suggest that KK as well as THA prevents diabetes-induced cognitive deficits by attenuating dysfunction of central cholinergic systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhao
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
The cholinergic system in aging and neuronal degeneration. Behav Brain Res 2011; 221:555-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 692] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
17
|
Alterations in the cholinergic system after frontal cortical infarction in rat brain: pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging of muscarinic receptor responsiveness and stereological analysis of cholinergic forebrain neurons. Neurobiol Dis 2011; 43:625-34. [PMID: 21640824 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Revised: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment has been related to dysfunction of the central cholinergic system. Studies exploring the putative relationship between vascular cognitive impairment and cholinergic dysfunction have largely been aimed at symptomatic cholinergic treatment rather than focusing on etiological and pathological factors. The present study characterizes chronic responses of the cholinergic system to focal cerebral infarction. Two separate experiments investigated changes in receptor responsiveness versus changes in cell number after photothrombotic infarction of the frontal cortex in rat brain. First, we conducted pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging (phMRI) together with pilocarpine injection to assess relative cerebral blood volume (CBV) responses related to cholinergic muscarinic receptor activation. PhMRI was conducted at 1 and 3 weeks after photothrombotic infarction of either the left or right frontal cortex. Second, stereological assessment was performed on choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-immunostained sections to determine cholinergic cell body count in several basal forebrain nuclei at 4 weeks after infarction. Significant reductions in relative CBV responses were observed both inside the ischemic area at 1 and 3 weeks, and in areas distant from the lesion at 3 weeks after right-sided frontal cortical infarction. In contrast, cholinergic cell number remained unchanged. These results demonstrate that cholinergic receptor responsiveness may be significantly altered following cerebral infarction, while projecting cholinergic cells are preserved.
Collapse
|
18
|
Aizawa S, Yamamuro Y. Involvement of histone acetylation in the regulation of choline acetyltransferase gene in NG108-15 neuronal cells. Neurochem Int 2010; 56:627-33. [PMID: 20100532 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2010.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2009] [Revised: 01/08/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Post-translational modification of histone such as acetylation of N-terminal of lysine residues influences gene expression by modulating the accessibility of specific transcription factors to the promoter region, and is essential for a wide variety of cellular processes in the development of individual tissues, including the brain. However, few details concerning the acquisition of specific neurotransmitter phenotype have been obtained. In the present study, we investigated the possible involvement of histone acetylation in the gene expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), a specific marker for cholinergic neuron and its function, in NG108-15 neuronal cells as an in vitro model of cholinergic neuron. Treatment with the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA), which induces global histone hyper-acetylation of the cells, resulted in marked increase in the expression of ChAT gene in proliferating NG108-15 cells. Furthermore, RT-PCR analysis using primer pairs for individual variants of ChAT mRNA (R1-4, N1, and M type) revealed that M type, not R1-4 and N1 type, ChAT mRNA were mainly transcribed, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay indicated that the promoter region of M type ChAT gene was highly acetylated, in the dibutyryl cyclic AMP-induced neuronal differentiation of NG108-15 cells. The present findings demonstrate that the acquisition of neurotransmitter phenotype is epigenetically, at least the hyper-acetylation on the core promoter region of ChAT gene, regulated in NG108-15 neuronal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Aizawa
- Department of Animal Science, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-8510, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Härtig W, Kacza J, Paulke BR, Grosche J, Bauer U, Hoffmann A, Elsinghorst PW, Gütschow M. In vivolabelling of hippocampal β-amyloid in triple-transgenic mice with a fluorescent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor released from nanoparticles. Eur J Neurosci 2010; 31:99-109. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2009.07038.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
20
|
Secretagogin is a Ca2+-binding protein specifying subpopulations of telencephalic neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:22492-7. [PMID: 20018755 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0912484106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ca(2+)-binding proteins (CBPs) parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin are phenotypic markers of terminally differentiated neurons in the adult brain. Although subtle phylogenetic variations in the neuronal distribution of these CBPs may occur, morphologically and functionally diverse subclasses of interneurons harbor these proteins in olfactory and corticolimbic areas. Secretagogin (scgn) is a recently cloned CBP from pancreatic beta and neuroendocrine cells. We hypothesized that scgn is expressed in the mammalian brain. We find that scgn is a marker of neuroblasts commuting in the rostral migratory stream. Terminally differentiated neurons in the olfactory bulb retain scgn expression, with scgn being present in periglomerular cells and granular layer interneurons. In the corticolimbic system, scgn identifies granule cells distributed along the dentate gyrus, indusium griseum, and anterior hippocampal continuation emphasizing the shared developmental origins, and cytoarchitectural and functional similarities of these neurons. We also uncover unexpected phylogenetic differences in scgn expression, since this CBP is restricted to primate cholinergic basal forebrain neurons. Overall, we characterize scgn as a neuron-specific CBP whose distribution identifies neuronal subtypes and hierarchical organizing principles in the mammalian brain.
Collapse
|
21
|
Effects of lateral fluid percussion injury on cholinergic markers in the newborn piglet brain. Int J Dev Neurosci 2009; 28:31-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2009.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2009] [Revised: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 10/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|
22
|
In situ hybridization study of the distribution of choline acetyltransferase mRNA and its splice variants in the mouse brain and spinal cord. Neuroscience 2009; 159:344-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2008] [Revised: 12/29/2008] [Accepted: 12/30/2008] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
23
|
Löhr M, Tzouras G, Molcanyi M, Ernestus RI, Hampl JA, Fischer JH, Sahin K, Arendt T, Härtig W. DEGENERATION OF CHOLINERGIC RAT BASAL FOREBRAIN NEURONS AFTER EXPERIMENTAL SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE. Neurosurgery 2008; 63:336-44; discussion 344-5. [DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000320422.54985.6d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Löhr
- Department of General Neurosurgery, Center of Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Georgios Tzouras
- Department of General Neurosurgery, Center of Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marek Molcanyi
- Department of General Neurosurgery, Center of Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ralf-Ingo Ernestus
- Department of General Neurosurgery, Center of Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jürgen A. Hampl
- Department of General Neurosurgery, Center of Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jürgen H. Fischer
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kurtulus Sahin
- Institute of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Arendt
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Härtig
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Härtig W, Stieler J, Boerema AS, Wolf J, Schmidt U, Weissfuss J, Bullmann T, Strijkstra AM, Arendt T. Hibernation model of tau phosphorylation in hamsters: selective vulnerability of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons - implications for Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Neurosci 2007; 25:69-80. [PMID: 17241268 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2006.05250.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibrillar tangles made up of 'paired helical filaments' (PHFs) consisting of hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau are major hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tangle formation selectively affects certain neuronal types and systematically progresses throughout numerous brain areas, which reflects a hierarchy of neuronal vulnerability and provides the basis for the neuropathological staging of disease severity. Mechanisms underlying this selective neuronal vulnerability are unknown. We showed previously that reversible PHF-like phosphorylation of tau occurs during obligate hibernation. Here we extend these findings to facultative hibernators such as Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) forced into hibernation. In this model, we showed in the basal forebrain projection system that cholinergic neurons are selectively affected by PHF-like phosphorylated tau, while gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons are largely spared, which shows strong parallels to the situation in AD. Formation of PHF-tau in these neurons apparently does not affect their function as pacemaker for terminating hibernation. We conclude that although formation of PHF-like phosphorylated tau in the mammalian brain follows a certain hierarchy, affecting some neurons more frequently than others, it is not necessarily associated with impaired neuronal function and viability. This indicates a more general link between PHF-like phosphorylation of tau and the adaptation of neurons under conditions of a 'vita minima'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Härtig
- Department of Neurochemistry, Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Jahnallee 59, 04109 Leipzig, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Roland JJ, Savage LM. Blunted hippocampal, but not striatal, acetylcholine efflux parallels learning impairment in diencephalic-lesioned rats. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2007; 87:123-32. [PMID: 16978888 PMCID: PMC1892161 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2006.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2006] [Revised: 07/21/2006] [Accepted: 07/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A rodent model of diencephalic amnesia, pyrithiamine-induced thiamine deficiency (PTD), was used to investigate the dynamic role of hippocampal and striatal acetylcholine (ACh) efflux across acquisition of a nonmatching-to-position (NMTP) T-maze task. Changes in ACh efflux were measured in rats at different time points in the acquisition curve of the task (early=day 1, middle=day 5, and late=day 10). Overall, the control group had higher accuracy scores than the PTD group in the latter sessions of NMTP training. During the three microdialysis sampling points, all animals displayed significant increases in ACh efflux in both hippocampus and striatum, while performing the task. However, on day 10, the PTD group showed a significant behavioral impairment that paralleled their blunted hippocampal--but not striatal--ACh efflux during maze training. The results support selective diencephalic-hippocampal dysfunction in the PTD model. This diencephalic-hippocampal interaction appears to be critical for successful episodic and spatial learning/memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Roland
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University-SUNY, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Craft TKS, Mahoney JH, Devries AC, Sarter M. Microsphere embolism-induced cortical cholinergic deafferentation and impairments in attentional performance. Eur J Neurosci 2005; 21:3117-32. [PMID: 15978021 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2005.04136.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic events have been hypothesized to play a critical role on the pathogenesis of dementia and the acceleration of cognitive impairments. This experiment was designed to determine the consequences of microvascular ischemia on the cortical cholinergic input system and associated attention capacities. Injections of microspheres ( approximately 50 microm diameter; approximately 5000 microspheres/100 microL) into the right common carotid artery of rats served as a model of microvascular ischemia and resulted in decreases in the density of cholinergic fibers in the ipsilateral medial prefrontal cortex and frontoparietal areas. Furthermore, dense astrogliosis, indicated by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry, was observed in the globus pallidus, including the areas of origin of cholinergic projections to the cortex. Fluoro-Jade B staining indicated that loss of neurons in the cortex was restricted to areas of microsphere-induced infarcts. Attentional performance was assessed using an operant sustained attention task; performance in this task was previously demonstrated to reflect the integrity and activity of the cortical cholinergic input system. Embolized animals' performance was characterized by a decrease in the animals' ability to detect signals. Their performance in non-signal trials remained unaffected. The residual density of cholinergic axons in prefrontal and frontoparietal areas correlated with the animals' performance. The present data support the hypothesis that microvascular ischemia results in loss of cortical cholinergic inputs and impairs associated attentional performance. Microsphere embolism represents a useful animal model for studying the role of interactions between microvascular disorder and impaired forebrain cholinergic neurotransmission in the manifestation of cognitive impairments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara K S Craft
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gearhart DA, Middlemore ML, Terry AV. ELISA methods to measure cholinergic markers and nerve growth factor receptors in cortex, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and basal forebrain from rat brain. J Neurosci Methods 2005; 150:159-73. [PMID: 16085318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2005.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2005] [Revised: 06/11/2005] [Accepted: 06/17/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The central cholinergic system has a fundamental role in normal cognitive function, and in diseases that exhibit cognitive dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to design ELISA methods to measure proteins that have essential functions in the central cholinergic system. We were particularly interested in quantifying proteins that respond directly or indirectly to nerve growth factor (NGF). ELISAs offer advantages over Western blot analyses and other methods, such as increased sensitivity, decreased assay variability, increased efficiency, and decreased cost. We developed indirect ELISA methods for: choline acetyltransferase (ChAT); the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT); the high affinity choline transporter (HACT/CHT); TrkA, the high affinity NGF receptor; the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)). A sandwich ELISA was developed to measure tyrosine-phosphorylated TrkA in brain lysates. We used these ELISAs to compare levels of the above proteins in important memory-related brain regions--basal forebrain, hippocampus, cortex, and prefrontal cortex--from old and young rats. We identified age-related differences in the levels of the aforementioned proteins (e.g., VAChT and HACT/CHT in hippocampus). Thus, these ELISA methods should be particularly useful for comparing the effects of age, disease, drugs, and toxicants on brain levels of key cholinergic and growth factor-related proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debra A Gearhart
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912-2450, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Domek-Łopacińska K, van de Waarenburg M, Markerink-van Ittersum M, Steinbusch HWM, de Vente J. Nitric oxide-induced cGMP synthesis in the cholinergic system during the development and aging of the rat brain. BRAIN RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH 2005; 158:72-81. [PMID: 16005523 DOI: 10.1016/j.devbrainres.2005.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2005] [Revised: 05/27/2005] [Accepted: 06/03/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
cGMP synthesis in cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain, the caudate putamen, and the tegmento-pedunculopontine nucleus of the rat was studied during development after birth at P1, P4, P10, and P21, in the adult, and during aging. NO-mediated cGMP synthesis in these neurons was studied using the approach of in vitro incubation of brain slices in combination with cGMP-immunocytochemistry. The percentage of NO-responsive, cGMP-synthesizing cholinergic cells in the septum and diagonal band of Broca decreased from 75% to 6% in adult animals and to 2% in aged ones. In the caudate putamen, this decrease was from 81% to 21% in adult and 11% in aged animals. Cholinergic cells of the tegmento-pedunculopontine nucleus were unresponsive to NO and never showed cGMP-immunoreactivity. In addition, it was observed that the amount of NO-responsive, cGMP-synthesizing cholinergic fibers in the hippocampus declined in parallel with the maturation of the septal-hippocampal cholinergic pathway, whereas in the caudate putamen, this colocalization became complete 2 weeks after birth. It is concluded that the property of NO-mediated cGMP synthesis in the cholinergic nuclei of the forebrain is developmentally regulated after birth and that NO-cGMP signal transduction has a role in establishing cholinergic neuronal connections in the hippocampus and caudate putamen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Domek-Łopacińska
- European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Maastricht University, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, UNS50, POB 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sarter M, Bruno JP. Developmental origins of the age-related decline in cortical cholinergic function and associated cognitive abilities. Neurobiol Aging 2004; 25:1127-39. [PMID: 15312959 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2003.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2003] [Revised: 10/01/2003] [Accepted: 11/14/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Ontogenetic abnormalities in the regulation of the cortical cholinergic input system are hypothesized to mediate early-life cognitive limitations (ECL) that later escalate, based on reciprocal interactions between a dysregulated cholinergic system and age-related neuronal and vascular processes, to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and, subsequently, for a majority of subjects, senile dementia. This process is speculated to begin with the disruption of trophic factor support of the basal forebrain ascending cholinergic system early in life, leading to dysregulation of cortical cholinergic transmission during the initial decades of life and associated limitations in cognitive capacities. Results from neurochemical and behavioral experiments support the possibility that aging reveals the vulnerability of an abnormally regulated cortical cholinergic input system. The decline of the cholinergic system is further accelerated as a result of interactions with amyloid precursor protein metabolism and processing, and with cerebral microvascular abnormalities. The determination of the developmental variables that render the cortical cholinergic input system vulnerable to age-related processes represents an important step toward the understanding of the role of this neuronal system in the age-related decline in cognitive functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Sarter
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Ohio State University, 27 Townshend Hall, 1885 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Schulz D, Sergeeva OA, Ianovskii E, Luhmann HJ, Haas HL, Huston JP. Behavioural parameters in aged rats are related to LTP and gene expression of ChAT and NMDA-NR2 subunits in the striatum. Eur J Neurosci 2004; 19:1373-83. [PMID: 15016095 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2004.03234.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Striatal parameters were assessed for their relevance to age-related behavioural decline. Forty aged rats (28-30 months) were tested in the water maze and open field. Of these, seven superior and seven inferior learners were compared with each other in terms of levels of in vitro short- and long-term potentiation (STP and LTP), and gene expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) as well as of the NMDA-NR2A-C subunits assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Results revealed that the superior as compared with the inferior learners had higher levels of ChAT mRNA in the striatum. For the superior group, ChAT mRNA was correlated with escape on to the cued platform in the water maze, whereas level of LTP was predictive of place learning in the water maze and rearing activity in the open field. For the inferior group, expression of NR2A and NR2B was positively correlated with place learning and probe trial performance in the water maze. The results show that individual differences in various behaviours of aged rats were accounted for by variability in striatal parameters, i.e. LTP, ChAT and NMDA-NR2 subunit mRNA. Notably, the correlations found were heterogeneous amid the groups, e.g. variability in place learning was explained by variability in levels of LTP in the superior learners, but in levels of NR2A-B mRNA in the inferior group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Schulz
- Institute of Physiological Psychology, Center for Biological and Medical Research, University of Dusseldorf, Universitatsstr 1, D-40225, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kar S, Quirion R. Amyloid β peptides and central cholinergic neurons: functional interrelationship and relevance to Alzheimer's disease pathology. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2004; 145:261-74. [PMID: 14650921 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(03)45018-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Satyabrata Kar
- Douglas Hospital Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 6875 La Salle Blvd., Verdun, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Calzà L, Giardino L. Neuroprotection: A Realistic Goal for Aged Brain? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2004; 541:153-68. [PMID: 14977213 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-8969-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Calzà
- DIMORFIPA, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Harkany T, Härtig W, Berghuis P, Dobszay MB, Zilberter Y, Edwards RH, Mackie K, Ernfors P. Complementary distribution of type 1 cannabinoid receptors and vesicular glutamate transporter 3 in basal forebrain suggests input-specific retrograde signalling by cholinergic neurons. Eur J Neurosci 2003; 18:1979-92. [PMID: 14622230 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2003.02898.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons project to diverse cortical and hippocampal areas and receive reciprocal projections therefrom. Maintenance of a fine-tuned synaptic communication between pre- and postsynaptic cells in neuronal circuitries also requires feedback mechanisms to control the probability of neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic terminal. Release of endocannabinoids or glutamate from a postsynaptic neuron has been identified as a means of retrograde synaptic signalling. Presynaptic action of endocannabinoids is largely mediated by type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors, while fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is involved in inactivating some endocannabinoids postsynaptically. Alternatively, vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3) controls release of glutamate from postsynaptic cells. Here, we studied the distribution of CB1 receptors, FAAH and VGLUT3 in cholinergic basal forebrain nuclei of mouse and rat. Cholinergic neurons were devoid of CB1 receptor immunoreactivity. A fine CB1 receptor-immunoreactive (ir) fibre meshwork was present in medial septum, diagonal bands and nucleus basalis. In contrast, the ventral pallidum and substantia innominata received dense CB1 receptor-ir innervation and cholinergic neurons received CB1 receptor-ir presumed synaptic contacts. Consistent with CB1 receptor distribution, FAAH-ir somata were abundant in basal forebrain and appeared in contact with CB1 receptor-containing terminals. Virtually all cholinergic neurons were immunoreactive for FAAH. A significant proportion of cholinergic cells exhibited VGLUT3 immunoreactivity in medial septum, diagonal bands and nucleus basalis, and were in close apposition to VGLUT3-ir terminals. VGLUT3 immunoreactivity was largely absent in ventral pallidum and substantia innominata. We propose that specific subsets of cholinergic neurons may utilize endocannabinoids or glutamate for retrograde control of the efficacy of input synapses, and the mutually exclusive complementary distribution pattern of CB1 receptor-ir and VGLUT3-ir fibres in basal forebrain suggests segregated input-specific signalling mechanisms by cholinergic neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Harkany
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Scheeles väg 1:A1, Karolinska Institutet, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Varga C, Härtig W, Grosche J, Keijser J, Luiten PGM, Seeger J, Brauer K, Harkany T. Rabbit forebrain cholinergic system: morphological characterization of nuclei and distribution of cholinergic terminals in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. J Comp Neurol 2003; 460:597-611. [PMID: 12717717 DOI: 10.1002/cne.10673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although the rabbit brain, in particular the basal forebrain cholinergic system, has become a common model for neuropathological changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, detailed neuroanatomical studies on the morphological organization of basal forebrain cholinergic nuclei and on their output pathways are still awaited. Therefore, we performed quantitative choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunocytochemistry to localize major cholinergic nuclei and to determine the number of respective cholinergic neurons in the rabbit forebrain. The density of ChAT-immunoreactive terminals in layer V of distinct neocortical territories and in hippocampal subfields was also measured. Another cholinergic marker, the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)), was also employed to identify subsets of cholinergic neurons. Double-immunofluorescence labeling of ChAT and p75(NTR), calbindin D-28k (CB), parvalbumin, calretinin, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), tyrosine hydroxylase, or substance P was used to elucidate the neuroanatomical borders of cholinergic nuclei and to analyze the neurochemical complexity of cholinergic cell populations. Cholinergic projection neurons with heterogeneous densities were found in the medial septum, vertical and horizontal diagonal bands of Broca, ventral pallidum, and magnocellular nucleus basalis (MBN)/substantia innominata (SI) complex; cholinergic interneurons were observed in the caudate nucleus, putamen, accumbens nucleus, and olfactory tubercule, whereas the globus pallidus was devoid of cholinergic nerve cells. Cholinergic interneurons were frequently present in the hippocampus and to a lesser extent in cerebral cortex. Cholinergic projection neurons, except those localized in SI, abundantly expressed p75(NTR), and a subset of cholinergic neurons in posterior MBN was immunoreactive for CB and nNOS. A strict laminar distribution pattern of cholinergic terminals was recorded both in the cerebral cortex and in CA1-CA3 and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. In summary, the structural organization and chemoarchitecture of rabbit basal forebrain may be considered as a transition between that of rodents and that of primates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Varga
- Department of Neurochemistry, Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, D-04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|