Cholinergic excitation of septohippocampal GABA but not cholinergic neurons: implications for learning and memory

Neurokinin1 - cholinergic receptor mechanisms in the medial Septum-Dorsal hippocampus axis mediates experimental neuropathic pain

The neurokinin-1 receptors (NK1Rs) in the forebrain medial septum (MS) region are localized exclusively on cholinergic neurons that partly project to the hippocampus and the cingulate cortex (Cg), regions implicated in nociception. In the present study, we explored the hypothesis that neurotransmission at septal NK1R and hippocampal cholinergic mechanisms mediate experimental neuropathic pain in the rodent chronic constriction injury model (CCI). Our investigations showed that intraseptal microinjection of substance P (SP) in rat evoked a peripheral hypersensitivity (PH)-like response in uninjured animals that was attenuated by systemic atropine sulphate, a muscarinic-cholinergic receptor antagonist. Conversely, pre-emptive destruction of septal cholinergic neurons attenuated the development of PH in the CCI model that also prevented the expression of cellular markers of nociception in the spinal cord and the forebrain. Likewise, anti-nociception was evoked on intraseptal microinjection of L-733,060, an antagonist at NK1Rs, and on bilateral or unilateral microinjection of the cholinergic receptor antagonists, atropine or mecamylamine, into the different regions of the dorsal hippocampus (dH) or on bilateral microinjection into the Cg. Interestingly, the effect of L-733,060 was accompanied with a widespread decreased in levels of CCI-induced nociceptive cellular markers in forebrain that was not secondary to behaviour, suggesting an active modulation of nociceptive processing by transmission at NK1R in the medial septum. The preceding suggest that the development and maintenance of neuropathic nociception is facilitated by septal NK1R-dH cholinergic mechanisms which co-ordinately affect nociceptive processing in the dH and the Cg. Additionally, the data points to a potential strategy for pain modulation that combines anticholinergics and anti-NKRs.

BACE1 in PV interneuron tunes hippocampal CA1 local circuits and resets priming of fear memory extinction

BACE1 is the rate-limiting enzyme for β-amyloid (Aβ) production and therefore is considered a prime drug target for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, the BACE1 inhibitors failed in clinical trials, even exhibiting cognitive worsening, implying that BACE1 may function in regulating cognition-relevant neural circuits. Here, we found that parvalbumin-positive inhibitory interneurons (PV INs) in hippocampal CA1 express BACE1 at a high level. We designed and developed a mouse strain with conditional knockout of BACE1 in PV neurons. The CA1 fast-spiking PV INs with BACE1 deletion exhibited an enhanced response of postsynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors to local stimulation on CA1 oriens, with average intrinsic electrical properties and fidelity in synaptic integration. Intriguingly, the BACE1 deletion reorganized the CA1 recurrent inhibitory motif assembled by the heterogeneous pyramidal neurons (PNs) and the adjacent fast-spiking PV INs from the superficial to the deep layer. Moreover, the conditional BACE1 deletion impaired the AMPARs-mediated excitatory transmission of deep CA1 PNs. Further rescue experiments confirmed that these phenotypes require the enzymatic activity of BACE1. Above all, the BACE1 deletion resets the priming of the fear memory extinction. Our findings suggest a neuron-specific working model of BACE1 in regulating learning and memory circuits. The study may provide a potential path of targeting BACE1 and NMDAR together to circumvent cognitive worsening due to a single application of BACE1 inhibitor in AD patients.

Temporal dynamics of cholinergic activity in the septo-hippocampal system

Cholinergic projection neurons in the medial septum and diagonal band of Broca are the major source of cholinergic modulation of hippocampal circuit functions that support neural coding of location and running speed. Changes in cholinergic modulation are known to correlate with changes in brain states, cognitive functions, and behavior. However, whether cholinergic modulation can change fast enough to serve as a potential speed signal in hippocampal and parahippocampal cortices and whether the temporal dynamics in such a signal depend on the presence of visual cues remain unknown. In this study, we use a fiber-photometric approach to quantify the temporal dynamics of cholinergic activity in freely moving mice as a function of the animal's movement speed and visual cues. We show that the population activity of cholinergic neurons in the medial septum and diagonal band of Broca changes fast enough to be aligned well with changes in the animal's running speed and is strongly and linearly correlated to the logarithm of the animal's running speed. Intriguingly, the cholinergic modulation remains strongly and linearly correlated to the speed of the animal's neck movements during periods of stationary activity. Furthermore, we show that cholinergic modulation is unaltered during darkness. Lastly, we identify rearing, a stereotypic behavior where the mouse stands on its hindlimbs to scan the environment from an elevated perspective, is associated with higher cholinergic activity than expected from neck movements on the horizontal plane alone. Taken together, these data show that temporal dynamics in the cholinergic modulation of hippocampal circuits are fast enough to provide a potential running speed signal in real-time. Moreover, the data show that cholinergic modulation is primarily a function of the logarithm of the animal's movement speed, both during locomotion and during stationary activity, with no significant interaction with visual inputs. These data advance our understanding of temporal dynamics in cholinergic modulation of hippocampal circuits and their functions in the context of neural coding of location and running speed.

Cholinergic Internal and Projection Systems of Hippocampus and Neocortex Critical for Early Spatial Memory Consolidation in Normal and Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion Conditions in Rats with Different Abilities to Consolidation: The Role of Cholinergic Interneurons of the Hippocampus

The role of cholinergic projection systems of the neocortex and hippocampus in memory consolidation in healthy and neuropathological conditions has been subject to intensive research. On the contrary, the significance of cholinergic cortical and hippocampal interneurons in learning has hardly been studied. We aimed to evaluate the role of both cholinergic projection neurons and interneurons of the neocortex and hippocampus at an early stage of spatial memory consolidation (2s1) in normal and chronic brain hypoperfusion conditions. Control rats and rats subjected to permanent two-vessel occlusion were trained with the Morris water maze, and the activity of membrane-bound and water-soluble choline acetyltransferase was evaluated in the sub-fractions of ‘light’ and ‘heavy’ synaptosomes of the neocortex and hippocampus, in which the presynapses of cholinergic projections and interneurons, respectively, are concentrated. Animals were ranked into quartiles according to their performance on stage 2s1. We found: (1) quartile-dependent cholinergic composition of 2s1 function and dynamics of cholinergic synaptic plasticity under cerebral hypoperfusion; (2) cholinergic hippocampal interneurons are necessary for successful 2s1 consolidation; (3) cholinergic neocortical interneurons and projections can be critical for 2s1 consolidation in less learning rats. We conclude that targeted modulation of cholinergic synaptic activity in the hippocampus and neocortex can be effective in reversing the cognitive disturbance of cerebral hypoperfusion. We discuss the possible ways to restore the impaired spatial memory 2s1 in the presence of cerebral hypoperfusion.

Using Personality and Temperament to Predict Exercise Behavior: A Pilot Study of the Braverman Nature Assessment

The Braverman Nature Assessment (BNA) is intended to determine the dominant monoamine neurochemical that drives an individual's temperament and behavior. The measure has been colloquially praised for the ability to determine the most effective exercise protocols for an individual based on their "dominant nature." This study seeks to examine the proposed relationship between the Braverman Natures and exercise behavior. Seventy-three adults (57 females) between ages 18-65 (mean = 26 years) completed an online survey consisting of the BNA, Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI), and Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study Physical Activity Questionnaire (ACLSPAQ). All Natures showed significant correlations to unique sets of personality traits (BFI). Dopamine and Serotonin Nature scores (via BNA) showed positive correlations to total physical activity (PA)measures. Serotonin Nature had positive correlation with participation in resistance exercise (r = .36, p < .01) and showed the strongest correlations to PA participation. Dopamine was not associated with Extraversion as predicted; however, showed positive correlations to vigorous intensity exercise (r = .26, p < .05). The Natures demonstrate some low to moderate correlations between neurochemical scores and exercise behaviors such as preference for various exercise modalities. There is preliminary evidence to suggest that the BNA may be a useful tool for exercise prescription based on correlations between personality and exercise behavior found in this study. The results do not support colloquial literature on the use of BNA in exercise prescription.

Regulation of hippocamposeptal input within the medial septum/diagonal band of Broca

The medial septum/diagonal band of Broca (MS/DBB) receives direct GABAergic input from the hippocampus via hippocamposeptal (HS) projection neurons as part of a reciprocal loop that mediates cognition and is altered in Alzheimer's disease. Cholinergic and GABAergic interactions occur throughout the MS/DBB, but it is not known how HS GABA release is impacted by these circuits. Most HS neurons contain somatostatin (SST), so to evoke HS GABA release we expressed Cre-dependent mCherry/channelrhodopisin-2 (ChR2) in the hippocampi of SST-IRES-Cre mice and then used optogenetics to stimulate HS fibers while performing whole-cell patch clamp recordings from MS/DBB neurons in acute slices. We found that the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) agonist carbachol and the GABA_B receptor (GABA_BR) agonist baclofen significantly decreased HS GABA release in the MS/DBB. Carbachol's effects were blocked by eliminating local GABAergic activity or inhibiting GABA_BRs, indicating that it was indirectly decreasing HS GABA release by increasing GABAergic tone. There was no effect of acute exposure to amyloid-β on HS GABA release. Repetitive stimulation of HS fibers increased spontaneous GABA release in the MS/DBB, revealing that HS projections can modulate local GABAergic tone. These results show that HS GABA release has far-reaching impacts on overall levels of inhibition in the MS/DBB and is under regulatory control by cholinergic and GABAergic activity. This bidirectional modulation of GABA release from local and HS projections in the MS/DBB will likely have profound impact not only on activity within the MS/DBB, but also on output to the hippocampus and hippocampal-dependent learning and memory.

Abnormal brain activity in rats with sustained hypobaric hypoxia exposure: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Background:

Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) exposure at high altitudes can result in a decline in cognitive function, which may have a serious impact on the daily life of people who migrate to high altitudes. However, the specific HH-induced changes in brain function remain unclear. This study explored changes in brain activity in rats exposed to a sustained HH environment using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods:

Healthy male rats (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into a model group and a control group. A rat model of cognitive impairment induced by sustained HH exposure was established. The control and model groups completed training and testing in the Morris water maze (MWM). A two-sample t-test for between-group difference comparisons was performed. Repeated measures analyses of variance for within-group comparisons were performed and post-hoc comparisons were made using the Tukey test. Between-group differences in spontaneous brain activity were assessed using a voxel-wise analysis of resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI), combined with analyses of the fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (fALFF) in statistical parametric mapping.

Results:

In the MWM test, the escape latencies of the model group were significantly longer compared with those of the control group (control group vs. model group, day 1: 21.6 ± 3.3 s vs. 40.5 ± 3.4 s, t = –11.282; day 2: 13.5 ± 2.2 s vs. 28.7 ± 5.3 s, t = –7.492; day 3: 10.5 ± 2.8 s vs. 22.6 ± 6.1 s, t = –5.099; day 4: 9.7 ± 2.5 s vs. 18.6 ± 5.2 s, t = –4.363; day 5: 8.8 ± 2.7 s vs. 16.7 ± 5.0 s, t = –3.932; all P < 0.001). Within both groups, the escape latency at day 5 was significantly shorter than those at other time points (control group: F = 57.317, P < 0.001; model group: F = 50.718, P < 0.001). There was no within-group difference in average swimming speed (control group, F = 1.162, P = 0.956; model group, F = 0.091, P = 0.880). Within the model group, the time spent within the original platform quadrant was significantly shorter (control group vs. model group: 36.1 ± 5.7 s vs. 17.8 ± 4.3 s, t = 7.249, P < 0.001) and the frequency of crossing the original platform quadrant was significantly reduced (control group vs. model group: 6.4 ± 1.9 s vs. 2.0 ± 0.8 s, t = 6.037, P < 0.001) compared with the control group. In the rs-fMRI study, compared with the control group, rats in the model group showed widespread reductions in fALFF values throughout the brain.

Conclusions:

The abnormalities in spontaneous brain activity indicated by the fALFF measurements may reflect changes in brain function after HH exposure. This widespread abnormal brain activity may help to explain and to provide new insights into the mechanism underlying the impairment of brain function under sustained exposure to high altitudes.

Septal GABA and Glutamate Neurons Express RXFP3 mRNA and Depletion of Septal RXFP3 Impaired Spatial Search Strategy and Long-Term Reference Memory in Adult Mice

Relaxin-3 is a highly conserved neuropeptide abundantly expressed in neurons of the nucleus incertus (NI), which project to nodes of the septohippocampal system (SHS) including the medial septum/diagonal band of Broca (MS/DB) and dorsal hippocampus, as well as to limbic circuits. High densities of the Gi/o-protein-coupled receptor for relaxin-3, known as relaxin-family peptide-3 receptor (RXFP3) are expressed throughout the SHS, further suggesting a role for relaxin-3/RXFP3 signaling in modulating learning and memory processes that occur within these networks. Therefore, this study sought to gain further anatomical and functional insights into relaxin-3/RXFP3 signaling in the mouse MS/DB. Using Cre/LoxP recombination methods, we assessed locomotion, exploratory behavior, and spatial learning and long-term reference memory in adult C57BL/6J Rxfp3 loxP/loxP mice with targeted depletion of Rxfp3 in the MS/DB. Following prior injection of an AAV(1/2)-Cre-IRES-eGFP vector into the MS/DB to delete/deplete Rxfp3 mRNA/RXFP3 protein, mice tested in a Morris water maze (MWM) displayed an impairment in allocentric spatial learning during acquisition, as well as an impairment in long-term reference memory on probe day. However, RXFP3-depleted and control mice displayed similar motor activity in a locomotor cell and exploratory behavior in a large open-field (LOF) test. A quantitative characterization using multiplex, fluorescent in situ hybridization (ISH) identified a high level of co-localization of Rxfp3 mRNA and vesicular GABA transporter (vGAT) mRNA in MS and DB neurons (~87% and ~95% co-expression, respectively). Rxfp3 mRNA was also detected, to a correspondingly lesser extent, in vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (vGlut2) mRNA-containing neurons in MS and DB (~13% and ~5% co-expression, respectively). Similarly, a qualitative assessment of the MS/DB region, identified Rxfp3 mRNA in neurons that expressed parvalbumin (PV) mRNA (reflecting hippocampally-projecting GABA neurons), whereas choline acetyltransferase mRNA-positive (acetylcholine) neurons lacked Rxfp3 mRNA. These data are consistent with a qualitative immunohistochemical analysis that revealed relaxin-3-immunoreactive nerve fibers in close apposition with PV-immunoreactive neurons in the MS/DB. Together these studies suggest relaxin-3/RXFP3 signaling in the MS/DB plays a role in modulating specific learning and long-term memory associated behaviors in adult mice via effects on GABAergic neuron populations known for their involvement in modulating hippocampal theta rhythm and associated cognitive processes.

Hippocampus and Entorhinal Cortex Recruit Cholinergic and NMDA Receptors Separately to Generate Hippocampal Theta Oscillations

Although much progress has been made in understanding type II theta rhythm generation under urethane anesthesia, less is known about the mechanisms underlying type I theta generation during active exploration. To better understand the contributions of cholinergic and NMDA receptor activation to type I theta generation, we recorded hippocampal theta oscillations from freely moving mice with local infusion of cholinergic or NMDA receptor antagonists to either the hippocampus or the entorhinal cortex (EC). We found that cholinergic receptors in the hippocampus, but not the EC, and NMDA receptors in the EC, but not the hippocampus, are critical for open-field theta generation and Y-maze performance. We further found that muscarinic M1 receptors located on pyramidal neurons, but not interneurons, are critical for cholinergic modulation of hippocampal synapses, theta generation, and Y-maze performance. These results suggest that hippocampus and EC neurons recruit cholinergic-dependent and NMDA-receptor-dependent mechanisms, respectively, to generate theta oscillations to support behavioral performance.

Effects of long‑term scopolamine treatment on cognitive deficits and calcium binding proteins immunoreactivities in the mouse hippocampus

GABAergic projections terminate on numerous hippocampal interneurons containing calcium binding proteins (CBPs), including calbindin D-28k (CB), calretinin (CR) and parvalbumin (PV). Memory deficits and expression levels of CB, CR, and PV were examined in the hippocampal subregions following systemic scopolamine (Scop; 1 mg/kg) treatment for 4 weeks in mice. Scop treatment induced significant memory deficits from 1 week after Scop treatment. CB, CR and PV immunoreactivities distributions were in hippocampal subregions [CA1 and CA3 regions, and the dentate gyrus (DG)]. CB immunoreactivity (CB⁺) was gradually decreased in all subregions until 2 weeks after Scop treatment, and CB⁺ was decreased to the lowest level in all subregions at 3 and 4 weeks. CR⁺ in the CA1 region was gradually decreased until 2 weeks and hardly observed at 3 and 4 weeks; in the CA3 region, CR⁺ was not altered in all subregions at any time. In the DG, CR+ was gradually decreased until 2 weeks and lowest at 3 and 4 weeks. PV⁺ in the CA1 region was not altered at 1 week, and gradually decreased from 2 weeks. In the CA3 region, PV⁺ did not change in any subregions at any time. In the DG, PV⁺ was not altered at 1 week, decreased at 2 weeks, and lowest at 3 and 4 weeks. In brief, Scop significantly decreased CBPs expressions in the hippocampus ≥3 weeks after the treatment although memory deficits had developed at 1 week. Therefore, it is suggested that Scop (1 mg/kg) must be systemically treated for ≥3 weeks to investigate changes in expression levels of CBPs in the hippocampus.

Low-Affinity Neurotrophin Receptor p75 Promotes the Transduction of Targeted Lentiviral Vectors to Cholinergic Neurons of Rat Basal Forebrain

Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) are one of the most affected neuronal types in Alzheimer's disease (AD), with their extensive loss documented at late stages of the pathology. While discriminatory provision of neuroprotective agents and trophic factors to these cells is thought to be of substantial therapeutic potential, the intricate topography and structure of the forebrain cholinergic system imposes a major challenge. To overcome this, we took advantage of the physiological enrichment of BFCNs with a low-affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) for their targeting by lentiviral vectors within the intact brain of adult rat. Herein, a method is described that affords selective and effective transduction of BFCNs with a green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter, which combines streptavidin-biotin technology with anti-p75NTR antibody-coated lentiviral vectors. Specific GFP expression in cholinergic neurons was attained in the medial septum and nuclei of the diagonal band Broca after a single intraventricular administration of such targeted vectors. Bioelectrical activity of GFP-labeled neurons was proven to be unchanged. Thus, proof of principle is obtained for the utility of the low-affinity p75NTR for targeted transduction of vectors to BFCNs in vivo.

Local cholinergic-GABAergic circuitry within the basal forebrain is modulated by galanin

The basal forebrain (BF) is an important regulator of hippocampal and cortical activity. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is a significant loss and dysfunction of cholinergic neurons within the BF, and also a hypertrophy of fibers containing the neuropeptide galanin. Understanding how galanin interacts with BF circuitry is critical in determining what role galanin overexpression plays in the progression of AD. Here, we examined the location and function of galanin in the medial septum/diagonal band (MS/DBB) region of the BF. We show that galanin fibers are located throughout the MS/DBB and intermingled with both cholinergic and GABAergic neurons. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings from MS/DBB neurons in acute slices reveal that galanin decreases tetrodotoxin-sensitive spontaneous GABA release and dampens muscarinic receptor-mediated increases in GABA release in the MS/DBB. These effects are not blocked by pre-exposure to β-amyloid peptide (Aβ_1-42). Optogenetic activation of cholinergic neurons in the MS/DBB increases GABA release back onto cholinergic neurons, forming a functional circuit within the MS/DBB. Galanin disrupts this cholinergic-GABAergic circuit by blocking the cholinergic-induced increase in GABA release. These data suggest that galanin works in the BF to reduce inhibitory input onto cholinergic neurons and to prevent cholinergic-induced increase in inhibitory tone. This disinhibition of cholinergic neurons could serve as a compensatory mechanism to counteract the loss of cholinergic signaling that occurs during the progression of AD.

Central relaxin-3 receptor (RXFP3) activation increases ERK phosphorylation in septal cholinergic neurons and impairs spatial working memory

The medial septum/diagonal band (MS/DB) is a relay region connecting the hypothalamus and brainstem with the hippocampus, and both the MS/DB and dorsal/ventral hippocampus receive strong topographic GABA/peptidergic projections from the nucleus incertus of the pontine tegmentum. The neuropeptide relaxin-3, released by these neurons, is the cognate ligand for a G_i/o-protein-coupled receptor, RXFP3, which is highly expressed within the MS/DB, and both cholinergic and GABAergic neurons in this region of rat brain receive relaxin-3 positive terminals/boutons. Comprehensive in vitro studies have demonstrated that the cell signaling pathways altered by RXFP3 stimulation, include inhibition of forskolin-activated cAMP levels and activation of ERK phosphorylation. In this study we investigated whether intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of RXFP3-A2, a selective relaxin-3 receptor agonist, altered ERK phosphorylation levels in the MS/DB of adult male rats. We subsequently assessed the neurochemical phenotype of phosphorylated (p) ERK-positive neurons in MS/DB after icv RXFP3-A2 administration by dual-label immunostaining for pERK and neuronal markers for cholinergic and GABAergic neurons. Central RXFP3-A2 injection significantly increased levels of pERK immunoreactivity (IR) in MS/DB at 20 and 90 min post-injection, compared to vehicle and naive levels. In addition, RXFP3-A2 increased the number of cells expressing pERK-IR in the MS/DB at 90 (but not 20) min post-injection in cholinergic (but not GABAergic) neurons, which also expressed putative RXFP3-IR. Moreover, icv injection of RXFP3-A2 impaired alternation in a delayed spontaneous T-maze test of spatial working memory. The presence of RXFP3-like IR and the RXFP3-related activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway in MS/DB cholinergic neurons identifies them as a key target of ascending relaxin-3 projections with implications for the acute and chronic modulation of cholinergic neuron activity and function by relaxin-3/RXFP3 signaling.

Silencing of Cholinergic Basal Forebrain Neurons Using Archaerhodopsin Prolongs Slow-Wave Sleep in Mice

The basal forebrain (BF) plays a crucial role in cortical activation. Our previous study showed that activation of cholinergic BF neurons alone is sufficient to suppress slow-wave sleep (SWS) and promote wakefulness and rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. However, the exact role of silencing cholinergic BF neurons in the sleep-wake cycle remains unclear. We inhibitied the cholinergic BF neurons genetically targeted with archaerhodopsin (Arch) with yellow light to clarify the role of cholinergic BF neurons in the sleep-wake cycle. Bilateral inactivation of cholinergic BF neurons genetically targeted with archaerhodopsin prolonged SWS and decreased the probability of awakening from SWS in mice. However, silencing these neurons changed neither the duration of wakefulness or REM sleep, nor the probability of transitions to other sleep-wake episodes from wakefulness or REM sleep. Furthermore, silencing these neurons for 6 h within the inactive or active period increased the duration of SWS at the expense of the duration of wakefulness, as well as increasing the number of prolonged SWS episodes (120-240 s). The lost wakefulness was compensated by a delayed increase of wakefulness, so the total duration of SWS and wakefulness during 24 h was kept stable. Our results indicate that the main effect of these neurons is to terminate SWS, whereas wakefulness or REM sleep may be determined by co-operation of the cholinergic BF neurons with other arousal-sleep control systems.

Turning a Negative into a Positive: Ascending GABAergic Control of Cortical Activation and Arousal

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Recent technological advances have illuminated the role of GABAergic neurons in control of cortical arousal and sleep. Sleep-promoting GABAergic neurons in the preoptic hypothalamus are well-known. Less well-appreciated are GABAergic projection neurons in the brainstem, midbrain, hypothalamus, and basal forebrain, which paradoxically promote arousal and fast electroencephalographic (EEG) rhythms. Thus, GABA is not purely a sleep-promoting neurotransmitter. GABAergic projection neurons in the brainstem nucleus incertus and ventral tegmental nucleus of Gudden promote theta (4-8 Hz) rhythms. Ventral tegmental area GABAergic neurons, neighboring midbrain dopamine neurons, project to the frontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. They discharge faster during cortical arousal and regulate reward. Thalamic reticular nucleus GABAergic neurons initiate sleep spindles in non-REM sleep. In addition, however, during wakefulness, they tonically regulate the activity of thalamocortical neurons. Other GABAergic inputs to the thalamus arising in the globus pallidus pars interna, substantia nigra pars reticulata, zona incerta, and basal forebrain regulate motor activity, arousal, attention, and sensory transmission. Several subpopulations of cortically projecting GABAergic neurons in the basal forebrain project to the thalamus and neocortex and preferentially promote cortical gamma-band (30-80 Hz) activity and wakefulness. Unlike sleep-active GABAergic neurons, these ascending GABAergic neurons are fast-firing neurons which disinhibit and synchronize the activity of their forebrain targets, promoting the fast EEG rhythms typical of conscious states. They are prominent targets of GABAergic hypnotic agents. Understanding the properties of ascending GABAergic neurons may lead to novel treatments for diseases involving disorders of cortical activation and wakefulness.

Septo-hippocampal signal processing: breaking the code

The septo-hippocampal connections appear to be a key element in the neuromodulatory cholinergic control of the hippocampal neurons. The cholinergic neuromodulation is well established in shifting behavioral states of the brain. The pacemaker role of medial septum in the limbic theta rhythm is demonstrated by lesions and pharmacological manipulations of GABAergic neurons, yet the link between the activity of different septal neuronal classes and limbic theta rhythm is not fully understood. We know even less about the information transfer between the medial septum and hippocampus--is there a particular kind of processed information that septo-hippocampal pathways transmit? This review encompasses fundamental findings together with the latest data of septo-hippocampal signal processing to tackle the frontiers of our understanding about the functional significance of medial septum to the hippocampal formation.

Harnessing the power of theta: natural manipulations of cognitive performance during hippocampal theta-contingent eyeblink conditioning

Neurobiological oscillations are regarded as essential to normal information processing, including coordination and timing of cells and assemblies within structures as well as in long feedback loops of distributed neural systems. The hippocampal theta rhythm is a 3–12 Hz oscillatory potential observed during cognitive processes ranging from spatial navigation to associative learning. The lower range, 3–7 Hz, can occur during immobility and depends upon the integrity of cholinergic forebrain systems. Several studies have shown that the amount of pre-training theta in the rabbit strongly predicts the acquisition rate of classical eyeblink conditioning and that impairment of this system substantially slows the rate of learning. Our lab has used a brain-computer interface (BCI) that delivers eyeblink conditioning trials contingent upon the explicit presence or absence of hippocampal theta. A behavioral benefit of theta-contingent training has been demonstrated in both delay and trace forms of the paradigm with a two- to four-fold increase in learning speed. This behavioral effect is accompanied by enhanced amplitude and synchrony of hippocampal local field potential (LFP)s, multi-unit excitation, and single-unit response patterns that depend on theta state. Additionally, training in the presence of hippocampal theta has led to increases in the salience of tone-induced unit firing patterns in the medial prefrontal cortex, followed by persistent multi-unit activity during the trace interval. In cerebellum, rhythmicity and precise synchrony of stimulus time-locked LFPs with those of hippocampus occur preferentially under the theta condition. Here we review these findings, integrate them into current models of hippocampal-dependent learning and suggest how improvement in our understanding of neurobiological oscillations is critical for theories of medial temporal lobe processes underlying intact and pathological learning.

Involvement of the GABAergic septo-hippocampal pathway in brain stimulation reward

The hippocampus is a structure related to several cognitive processes, but not very much is known about its putative involvement in positive reinforcement. In its turn, the septum has been related to instrumental brain stimulation reward (BSR) by its electrical stimulation with trains of pulses. Although the anatomical relationships of the septo-hippocampal pathway are well established, the functional relationship between these structures during rewarding behaviors remains poorly understood. To explore hippocampal mechanisms involved in BSR, CA3-evoked field excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs, fIPSPs) were recorded in the CA1 area during BSR in alert behaving mice. The synaptic efficiency was determined from changes in fEPSP and fIPSP amplitudes across the learning of a BSR task. The successive BSR sessions evoked a progressive increase of the performance in inverse relationship with a decrease in the amplitude of fEPSPs, but not of fIPSPs. Additionally, we evaluated CA1 local field potentials (LFPs) during a preference task, comparing 8-, 20-, and 100-Hz trains of septal BSR. We corroborate a clear preference for BSR at 100 Hz (in comparison with BSR at 20 Hz or 8 Hz), in parallel with an increase in the spectral power of the low theta band, and a decrease in the gamma. These results were replicated by intrahippocampal injections of a GABAB antagonist. Thus, the GABAergic septo-hippocampal pathway seems to carry information involved in the encoding of reward properties, where GABAB receptors seem to play a key role. With regard to the dorsal hippocampus, fEPSPs evoked at the CA3-CA1 synapse seem to reflect the BSR learning process, while hippocampal rhythmic activities are more related to reward properties.

The GABAergic parafacial zone is a medullary slow wave sleep-promoting center

Work in animals and humans suggest the existence of a slow–wave sleep (SWS) promoting/EEG synchronizing center in the mammalian lower brainstem. While sleep–active GABAergic neurons in the medullary parafacial zone (PZ) are needed for normal SWS, it remains unclear if these neurons can initiate and maintain SWS or EEG slow wave activity (SWA) in behaving mice. We used genetically targeted activation and optogenetic–based mapping to uncover the downstream circuitry engaged by SWS–promoting PZ neurons, and we show that this circuit uniquely and potently initiates SWS and EEG SWA, regardless of the time of day. PZ neurons monosynaptically innervate and release synaptic GABA onto parabrachial neurons that in turn project to and release synaptic glutamate onto cortically–projecting neurons of the magnocellular basal forebrain; hence a circuit substrate is in place through which GABAergic PZ neurons can potently trigger SWS and modulate the cortical EEG.

The theta-related firing activity of parvalbumin-positive neurons in the medial septum-diagonal band of Broca complex and their response to 5-HT1A receptor stimulation in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

The parvalbumin (PV)-positive neurons in the medial septum-diagonal band of Broca complex (MS-DB) play an important role in the generation of hippocampal theta rhythm involved in cognitive functions. These neurons in this region express a high density of 5-HT1A receptors which regulate the neuronal activity and consequently affect the theta rhythm. In this study, we examined changes in the theta-related firing activity of PV-positive neurons in the MS-DB, their response to 5-HT1A receptor stimulation and the corresponding hippocampal theta rhythm, and the density of PV-positive neurons and their co-localization with 5-HT1A receptors in rats with 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). The lesion of the SNc decreased the rhythmically bursting activity of PV-positive neurons and the peak frequency of hippocampal theta rhythm. Systemic administration of 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.5-128 µg/kg, i.v.) inhibited the firing rate of PV-positive neurons and disrupted rhythmically bursting activity of the neurons and the theta rhythm in sham-operated and the lesioned rats, respectively. The cumulative doses producing inhibition and disruption in the lesioned rats were higher than that of sham-operated rats. Furthermore, local application of 8-OH-DPAT (0.005 μg) in the MS-DB also inhibited the firing rate of PV-positive neurons and disrupted their rhythmically bursting activity in sham-operated rats, while having no effect on PV-positive neurons in the lesioned rats. The lesion of the SNc decreased the density of PV-positive neurons in the MS-DB, and percentage of PV-positive neurons expressing 5-HT1A receptors. These results indicate that the lesion of the SNc leads to suppression of PV-positive neurons in the MS-DB and hippocampal theta rhythm. Furthermore, the lesion decreases the response of these neurons to 5-HT1A receptor stimulation, which attributes to dysfunction and/or down-regulation of 5-HT1A receptor expression on these neurons. These changes may be involved in cognitive impairments of Parkinson's disease.

Characterization of age-related changes in synaptic transmission onto F344 rat basal forebrain cholinergic neurons using a reduced synaptic preparation

Basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic neurons participate in a number of cognitive processes that become impaired during aging. We previously found that age-related enhancement of Ca(2+) buffering in rat cholinergic BF neurons was associated with impaired performance in the water maze spatial learning task (Murchison D, McDermott AN, Lasarge CL, Peebles KA, Bizon JL, and Griffith WH. J Neurophysiol 102: 2194-2207, 2009). One way that altered Ca(2+) buffering could contribute to cognitive impairment involves synaptic function. In this report we show that synaptic transmission in the BF is altered with age and cognitive status. We have examined the properties of spontaneous postsynaptic currents (sPSCs) in cholinergic BF neurons that have been mechanically dissociated without enzymes from behaviorally characterized F344 rats. These isolated neurons retain functional presynaptic terminals on their somata and proximal dendrites. Using whole cell patch-clamp recording, we show that sPSCs and miniature PSCs are predominately GABAergic (bicuculline sensitive) and in all ways closely resemble PSCs recorded in a BF in vitro slice preparation. Adult (4-7 mo) and aged (22-24 mo) male rats were cognitively assessed using the water maze. Neuronal phenotype was identified post hoc using single-cell RT-PCR. The frequency of sPSCs was reduced during aging, and this was most pronounced in cognitively impaired subjects. This is the same population that demonstrated increased intracellular Ca(2+) buffering. We also show that increasing Ca(2+) buffering in the synaptic terminals of young BF neurons can mimic the reduced frequency of sPSCs observed in aged BF neurons.

GABAergic terminals are a source of galanin to modulate cholinergic neuron development in the neonatal forebrain

The distribution and (patho-)physiological role of neuropeptides in the adult and aging brain have been extensively studied. Galanin is an inhibitory neuropeptide that can coexist with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the adult forebrain. However, galanin's expression sites, mode of signaling, impact on neuronal morphology, and colocalization with amino acid neurotransmitters during brain development are less well understood. Here, we show that galaninergic innervation of cholinergic projection neurons, which preferentially express galanin receptor 2 (GalR2) in the neonatal mouse basal forebrain, develops by birth. Nerve growth factor (NGF), known to modulate cholinergic morphogenesis, increases GalR2 expression. GalR2 antagonism (M871) in neonates reduces the in vivo expression and axonal targeting of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), indispensable for cholinergic neurotransmission. During cholinergic neuritogenesis in vitro, GalR2 can recruit Rho-family GTPases to induce the extension of a VAChT-containing primary neurite, the prospective axon. In doing so, GalR2 signaling dose-dependently modulates directional filopodial growth and antagonizes NGF-induced growth cone differentiation. Galanin accumulates in GABA-containing nerve terminals in the neonatal basal forebrain, suggesting its contribution to activity-driven cholinergic development during the perinatal period. Overall, our data define the cellular specificity and molecular complexity of galanin action in the developing basal forebrain.

GABAergic neurons in the medial septum-diagonal band of Broca (MSDB) are important for acquisition of the classically conditioned eyeblink response

The medial septum and diagonal band of Broca (MSDB) influence hippocampal function through cholinergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic septohippocampal neurons. Non-selective damage of the MSDB or intraseptal scopolamine impairs classical conditioning of the eyeblink response (CCER). Scopolamine preferentially inhibits GABAergic MSDB neurons suggesting that these neurons may be an important modulator of delay CCER, a form of CCER not dependent on the hippocampus. The current study directly examined the importance of GABAergic MSDB neurons in acquisition of delay CCER. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received either a sham (PBS) or GABAergic MSDB lesion using GAT1-saporin (SAP). Rats were given two consecutive days of delay eyeblink conditioning with 100 conditioned stimulus-unconditioned stimulus paired trials. Intraseptal GAT1-SAP impaired acquisition of CCER. The impairment was observed on the first day with sham and lesion groups reaching similar performance by the end of the second day. Our results provide evidence that GABAergic MSDB neurons are an important modulator of delay CCER. The pathways by which MSDB neurons influence the neural circuits necessary for delay CCER are discussed.

Distribution and targets of the relaxin-3 innervation of the septal area in the rat

Neural tracing studies have revealed that the rat medial and lateral septum are targeted by ascending projections from the nucleus incertus, a population of tegmental GABA neurons. These neurons express the relaxin-family peptide, relaxin-3, and pharmacological modulation of relaxin-3 receptors in medial septum alters hippocampal theta rhythm and spatial memory. In an effort to better understand the basis of these interactions, we have characterized the distribution of relaxin-3 fibers/terminals in relation to different septal neuron populations identified using established protein markers. Dense relaxin-3 fiber plexuses were observed in regions of medial septum containing hippocampal-projecting choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-, and parvalbumin (PV)-positive neurons. In lateral septum (LS), relaxin-3 fibers were concentrated in the ventrolateral nucleus of rostral LS and the ventral nucleus of caudal LS, with sparse labeling in the dorsolateral and medial nuclei of rostral LS, dorsal nucleus of caudal LS, and ventral portion nuclei. Relaxin-3 fibers were also observed in the septofimbrial and triangular septal nuclei. In the medial septum, we observed relaxin-3-immunoreactive contacts with ChAT-, PV-, and glutamate decarboxylase-67-positive neurons that projected to hippocampus, and contacts between relaxin-3 terminals and calbindin- and calretinin-positive neurons. Relaxin-3 colocalized with synaptophysin in nerve terminals in all septal areas, and ultrastructural analysis revealed these terminals were symmetrical and contacted spines, somata, dendritic shafts, and occasionally other axonal terminals. These data predict that this GABA/peptidergic projection modulates septohippocampal activity and hippocampal theta rhythm related to exploratory navigation, defensive and ingestive behaviors, and responses to neurogenic stressors.

Infusion of GAT1-saporin into the medial septum/vertical limb of the diagonal band disrupts self-movement cue processing and spares mnemonic function

Degeneration of the septohippocampal system is associated with the progression of Dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT). Impairments in mnemonic function and spatial orientation become more severe as DAT progresses. Although evidence supports a role for cholinergic function in these impairments, relatively few studies have examined the contribution of the septohippocampal GABAergic component to mnemonic function or spatial orientation. The current study uses the rat food-hoarding paradigm and water maze tasks to characterize the mnemonic and spatial impairments associated with infusing GAT1-Saporin into the medial septum/vertical limb of the diagonal band (MS/VDB). Although infusion of GAT1-Saporin significantly reduced parvalbumin-positive cells in the MS/VDB, no reductions in markers of cholinergic function were observed in the hippocampus. In general, performance was spared during spatial tasks that provided access to environmental cues. In contrast, GAT1-Saporin rats did not accurately carry the food pellet to the refuge during the dark probe. These observations are consistent with infusion of GAT1-Saporin into the MS/VDB resulting in spared mnemonic function and use of environmental cues; however, self-movement cue processing was compromised. This interpretation is consistent with a growing literature demonstrating a role for the septohippocampal system in self-movement cue processing.

Septohippocampal GABAergic neurons mediate the altered behaviors induced by n-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists

We hypothesize that selective lesion of the septohippocampal GABAergic neurons suppresses the altered behaviors induced by an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, ketamine or MK-801. In addition, we hypothesize that septohippocampal GABAergic neurons generate an atropine-resistant theta rhythm that coexists with an atropine-sensitive theta rhythm in the hippocampus. Infusion of orexin-saporin (ore-SAP) into the medial septal area decreased parvalbumin-immunoreactive (GABAergic) neurons by ~80%, without significantly affecting choline-acetyltransferase-immunoreactive (cholinergic) neurons. The theta rhythm during walking, or the immobility-associated theta induced by pilocarpine, was not different between ore-SAP and sham-lesion rats. Walking theta was, however, more disrupted by atropine sulfate in ore-SAP than in sham-lesion rats. MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) induced hyperlocomotion associated with an increase in frequency, but not power, of the hippocampal theta in both ore-SAP and sham-lesion rats. However, MK-801 induced an increase in 71-100 Hz gamma waves in sham-lesion but not ore-SAP lesion rats. In sham-lesion rats, MK-801 induced an increase in locomotion and an impairment of prepulse inhibition (PPI), and ketamine (3 mg/kg s.c.) induced a loss of gating of hippocampal auditory evoked potentials. MK-801-induced behavioral hyperlocomotion and PPI impairment, and ketamine-induced auditory gating deficit were reduced in ore-SAP rats as compared to sham-lesion rats. During baseline without drugs, locomotion and auditory gating were not different between ore-SAP and sham-lesion rats, and PPI was slightly but significantly increased in ore-SAP as compared with sham lesion rats. It is concluded that septohippocampal GABAergic neurons are important for the expression of hyperactive and psychotic symptoms an enhanced hippocampal gamma activity induced by ketamine and MK-801, and for generating an atropine-resistant theta. Selective suppression of septohippocampal GABAergic activity is suggested to be an effective treatment of some symptoms of schizophrenia.

Adenosine inhibits glutamatergic input to basal forebrain cholinergic neurons

Adenosine has been proposed as an endogenous homeostatic sleep factor that accumulates during waking and inhibits wake-active neurons to promote sleep. It has been specifically hypothesized that adenosine decreases wakefulness and promotes sleep recovery by directly inhibiting wake-active neurons of the basal forebrain (BF), particularly BF cholinergic neurons. We previously showed that adenosine directly inhibits BF cholinergic neurons. Here, we investigated 1) how adenosine modulates glutamatergic input to BF cholinergic neurons and 2) how adenosine uptake and adenosine metabolism are involved in regulating extracellular levels of adenosine. Our experiments were conducted using whole cell patch-clamp recordings in mouse brain slices. We found that in BF cholinergic neurons, adenosine reduced the amplitude of AMPA-mediated evoked glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and decreased the frequency of spontaneous and miniature EPSCs through presynaptic A(1) receptors. Thus we have demonstrated that in addition to directly inhibiting BF cholinergic neurons, adenosine depresses excitatory inputs to these neurons. It is therefore possible that both direct and indirect inhibition may synergistically contribute to the sleep-promoting effects of adenosine in the BF. We also found that blocking the influx of adenosine through the equilibrative nucleoside transporters or inhibiting adenosine kinase and adenosine deaminase increased endogenous adenosine inhibitory tone, suggesting a possible mechanism through which adenosine extracellular levels in the basal forebrain are regulated.

Intrinsic voltage dynamics govern the diversity of spontaneous firing profiles in basal forebrain noncholinergic neurons

Spontaneous firing and behavior-related changes in discharge profiles of basal forebrain (BF) neurons are well documented, albeit the mechanisms underlying the variety of activity modes and intermodal transitions remain elusive. With the use of cell-attached recordings, this study identifies a range of spiking patterns in diagonal band Broca (DBB) noncholinergic cells of rats and tentatively categorizes them into low-rate random, tonic, and cluster firing activities. It demonstrates further that the multiplicity of discharge profiles is sustained intrinsically and persists after blockade of glutamate-, glycine/GABA-, and cholinergic synaptic inputs. Stimulation of muscarinic receptors, blockade of voltage-gated Ca(2+)-, and small conductance (SK) Ca(2+)-activated K(+) currents as well as chelating of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration accelerate low-rate random and tonic firing and favor transition of neurons into cluster firing mode. A similar trend towards higher discharge rates with switch of neurons into cluster firing has been revealed by activation of neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors with the NPY or NPY(1) receptor agonist [Leu(31),Pro(34)]-NPY. Whole cell current-clamp analysis demonstrates that the variety of spiking modes and intermodal transitions could be induced within the same neuronal population by injection of bias depolarizing or hyperpolarizing currents. Taken together, these data demonstrate the intrinsic and highly variable character of regenerative firing in BF noncholinergic cells, subject to powerful modulation by classical neurotransmitters, NPY, and small membrane currents.

Examining brain-cognition effects of ginkgo biloba extract: brain activation in the left temporal and left prefrontal cortex in an object working memory task

Ginkgo Biloba extract (GBE) is increasingly used to alleviate symptoms of age related cognitive impairment, with preclinical evidence pointing to a pro-cholinergic effect. While a number of behavioral studies have reported improvements to working memory (WM) associated with GBE, electrophysiological studies of GBE have typically been limited to recordings during a resting state. The current study investigated the chronic effects of GBE on steady state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) topography in nineteen healthy middle-aged (50-61 year old) male participants whilst completing an object WM task. A randomized double-blind crossover design was employed in which participants were allocated to receive 14 days GBE and 14 days placebo in random order. For both groups, SSVEP was recorded from 64 scalp electrode sites during the completion of an object WM task both pre- and 14 days post-treatment. GBE was found to improve behavioural performance on the WM task. GBE was also found to increase the SSVEP amplitude at occipital and frontal sites and increase SSVEP latency at left temporal and left frontal sites during the hold component of the WM task. These SSVEP changes associated with GBE may represent more efficient processing during WM task completion.

Hippocampal θ dysfunction after lateral fluid percussion injury

Chronic memory deficits are a major cause of morbidity following traumatic brain injury (TBI). In the rat, the hippocampal theta rhythm is a well-studied correlate of memory function. This study sought to investigate disturbances in hippocampal theta rhythm following lateral fluid percussion injury in the rat. A total of 13 control rats and 12 TBI rats were used. Electrodes were implanted in bilateral hippocampi and an electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded while the rats explored a new environment, and also while navigating a modified version of the Barnes maze. Theta power and peak theta frequency were significantly attenuated in the injured animals. Further, injured rats were less likely to develop a spatial strategy for Barnes maze navigation compared to control rats. In conclusion, rats sustaining lateral fluid percussion injury demonstrated deficits in hippocampal theta activity. These deficits may contribute to the underlying memory problems seen in chronic TBI.

Layer-specific processing of excitatory signals in CA1 interneurons depends on postsynaptic M₂ muscarinic receptors

The hippocampus receives a diffuse cholinergic innervation which acts on pre- and postsynaptic sites to modulate neurotransmission and excitability of pyramidal cells and interneurons in an intricate fashion. As one missing piece in this puzzle, we explored how muscarinic receptor activation modulates the somatodendritic processing of glutamatergic input in CA1 interneurons. We performed whole-cell recordings from visually identified interneurons of stratum radiatum (SR) and stratum oriens (SO) and examined the effects of the cholinergic agonist carbachol (CCh) on EPSP-like waveforms evoked by brief glutamate pulses onto their proximal dendrites. In SO interneurons, CCh consistently reduced glutamate-induced postsynaptic potentials (GPSPs) in control rat and mice, but not in M₂ muscarinic receptor knockout mice. By contrast, the overwhelming majority of interneurons recorded in SR of control and M₂ receptor-deficient hippocampi exhibited muscarinic enhancement of GPSPs. Interestingly, the non-responding interneurons were strictly confined to the SR subfield closest to the subiculum. Our data suggest that postsynaptic modulation by acetylcholine of excitatory input onto CA1 interneurons occurs in a stratum-specific fashion, which is determined by the absence or presence of M₂ receptors in their (somato-)dendritic compartments. Thus cholinergic projections might be capable of recalibrating synaptic weights in different inhibitory circuits of the CA1 region.

GPR30 co-localizes with cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain and enhances potassium-stimulated acetylcholine release in the hippocampus

GPR30 is a novel, membrane-bound, G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (Filardo et al., 2002; Prossnitz et al., 2008). We hypothesize that GPR30 may mediate effects of estradiol (E2) on basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and cognitive performance. Recently we showed that G-1, a selective GPR30 agonist, enhances the rate of acquisition on a delayed matching-to-position (DMP) T-maze task (Hammond et al., 2009). In the present study, we examined the distribution of GPR30 in the rat forebrain, and the effects of G-1 on potassium-stimulated acetylcholine release in the hippocampus. GPR30-like immunoreactivity was detected in many regions of the forebrain including the hippocampus, frontal cortex, medial septum/diagonal band of Broca, nucleus basalis magnocellularis and striatum. GPR30 mRNA also was detected, with higher levels in the hippocampus and cortex than in the septum and striatum. Co-localization studies revealed that the majority (63-99%) of cholinergic neurons in the forebrain expressed GPR30-like immunoreactivity. A far lower percentage (0.4-42%) of GABAergic (parvalbumin-containing) cells also contained GPR30. Sustained administration of either G-1 or E2 (5 μg/day) to ovariectomized rats produced a nearly 3-fold increase in potassium-stimulated acetylcholine release in the hippocampus relative to vehicle-treated controls. These data demonstrate that GPR30 is expressed by cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain, and suggest that activation of GPR30 enhances cholinergic function in the hippocampus similar to E2. This may account for the effects of G-1 on DMP acquisition previously reported.

Developmental increase in D1-like dopamine receptor-mediated inhibition of glutamatergic transmission through P/Q-type channel regulation in the basal forebrain of rats

Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of non-N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were carried out from cholinergic neurons in slices of basal forebrain (BF) of developing rats aged 21-42 postnatal days to elucidate postnatal developmental change in Ca(2+) channel subtypes involved in the transmission as well as that in dopamine D(1)-like receptor-mediated presynaptic inhibition. The amplitude of EPSCs was inhibited by bath application of omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTX; 3 microM) or omega-agatoxin-TK (omega-Aga-TK; 200 nM) throughout the age range examined, suggesting that multiple types of Ca(2+) channel are involved in the transmission. The EPSC fraction reduced by omega-CgTX decreased with age, whereas that reduced by omega-Aga-TK increased. Inhibition of the EPSCs by a D(1)-like receptor agonist, SKF 81297 (SKF; 30 microM) increased with age in parallel with the increase in omega-Aga-TK-induced inhibition. An activator of the adenylyl cyclase (AC) pathway, forskolin (FK; 10 microM) inhibited the EPSCs, and FK-induced inhibition also increased with age in parallel with the increase in SKF-induced inhibition. Throughout the age range examined, SKF showed no further inhibitory effect on the EPSCs after omega-Aga-TK- or FK-induced effect had reached steady-state. These findings suggest that D(1)-like receptor-mediated presynaptic inhibition of glutamate release onto cholinergic BF neurons increases with age, and that the change is coupled with a developmental increase in the contribution of P/Q-type Ca(2+) channels as well as a developmental increase in AC pathway contribution.

Activation of the basal forebrain by the orexin/hypocretin neurones

The orexin neurones play an essential role in driving arousal and in maintaining normal wakefulness. Lack of orexin neurotransmission produces a chronic state of hypoarousal characterized by excessive sleepiness, frequent transitions between wake and sleep, and episodes of cataplexy. A growing body of research now suggests that the basal forebrain (BF) may be a key site through which the orexin-producing neurones promote arousal. Here we review anatomical, pharmacological and electrophysiological studies on how the orexin neurones may promote arousal by exciting cortically projecting neurones of the BF. Orexin fibres synapse on BF cholinergic neurones and orexin-A is released in the BF during waking. Local application of orexins excites BF cholinergic neurones, induces cortical release of acetylcholine and promotes wakefulness. The orexin neurones also contain and probably co-release the inhibitory neuropeptide dynorphin. We found that orexin-A and dynorphin have specific effects on different classes of BF neurones that project to the cortex. Cholinergic neurones were directly excited by orexin-A, but did not respond to dynorphin. Non-cholinergic BF neurones that project to the cortex seem to comprise at least two populations with some directly excited by orexin-A that may represent wake-active, GABAergic neurones, whereas others did not respond to orexin-A but were inhibited by dynorphin and may be sleep-active, GABAergic neurones. This evidence suggests that the BF is a key site through which orexins activate the cortex and promote behavioural arousal. In addition, orexins and dynorphin may act synergistically in the BF to promote arousal and improve cognitive performance.

Restoration of amphetamine-induced locomotor sensitization in dopamine D1 receptor-deficient mice

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Amphetamine-induced sensitization is thought to involve dopamine D(1) receptors. Using mice lacking dopamine D(1) receptors (D (1) (-/-) ), we found that they exhibited blunted sensitization to low doses of amphetamine, while others using different treatment and testing regimens reported inconsistent results. We investigated whether experimental variables, alteration in gene expression or cholinergic input played a role in amphetamine-induced responses.

METHODS

D (1) (-/-) and wild-type (D (1) (+/+) ) mice pretreated with amphetamine (1 mg/kg, 3-7 days) or various doses of nicotine (chronically but intermittently) were challenged with amphetamine (0.7 and/or 1 mg/kg) after short and long abstinence periods. Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated c-AMP response element binding protein (p-CREB) genes were measured under basal conditions and after acute or repeated amphetamine treatments.

RESULTS

D (1) (-/-) mice failed to exhibit amphetamine-induced sensitization following short-term treatments and long abstinence periods, but expressed sensitization following prolonged amphetamine treatment or a shorter abstinence period. Basal expression of p-CREB (but not BDNF) was higher in D (1) (-/-) than D (1) (+/+) mice and was reduced after amphetamine treatment. Prolonged nicotine pretreatment augmented locomotor responses to amphetamine in both genotypes and restored sensitization in D (1) (-/-) mice.

CONCLUSIONS

D(1) receptors were necessary for induction, but may not be necessary for expression of amphetamine-induced sensitization at low doses. The manifestation of amphetamine sensitization depended on the duration of treatment and length of the withdrawal period. Cholinergic-nicotinic stimulation restored amphetamine-induced sensitization in D (1) (-/-) mice. Enhanced basal expression of p-CREB in D (1) (-/-) mice may represent an adaptive mechanism related to lack of D(1) receptors.

Differential effects of systemic and intraseptal administration of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor tacrine on the recovery of spatial behavior in an animal model of diencephalic amnesia

Several lines of evidence suggest that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChE) have their cognitive enhancing effects by stimulating cholinergic receptors within the medial septum. However, intraseptal administration of cholinergic enhancing drugs produce mixed results that appear to depend on both the integrity of the medial septum as well as task demands. Three experiments were conducted to determine the relationship between increased cholinergic activity within the medial septum and hippocampus and behavioral recovery in a model of diencephalic amnesia produced by pyrithiamine-induced thiamine deficiency (PTD). In Experiment 1, systemic tacrine (0.0, 0.75, 1.5mg/kg) was administered to PTD and pair-fed (PF) rats prior to a spontaneous alternation task. Without tacrine, PF rats alternated at a higher rate than PTD rats. Both doses of tacrine increased alternation in PTD rats to within the range of PF rats. In Experiment 2, three doses of intraseptal tacrine (2.5, 5.0, 12.5microg) were administered to PTD and PF rats and changes in hippocampal acetylcholine efflux were assessed. Both the 5.0 and 12.5microg doses significantly increased hippocampal acetylcholine levels, but the change was greater in the PTD rats. In Experiment 3, despite the fact that both intraseptal doses of tacrine (5.0, 12.5microg) increased hippocampal acetylcholine levels, only 5.0microg significantly improved alternation scores in PTD rats. Thus, when there is basal forebrain cholinergic cell loss in conjunction with diencephalic pathology, the therapeutic range of AChE-I in the medial septum and the effective doses do not directly map onto changes in acetylcholine efflux in the hippocampus.

Modulation of hippocampal theta oscillations and spatial memory by relaxin-3 neurons of the nucleus incertus

Hippocampal theta rhythm is thought to underlie learning and memory, and it is well established that "pacemaker" neurons in medial septum (MS) modulate theta activity. Recent studies in the rat demonstrated that brainstem-generated theta rhythm occurs through a multisynaptic pathway via the nucleus incertus (NI), which is the primary source of the neuropeptide relaxin-3 (RLN3). Therefore, this study examined the possible contribution of RLN3 to MS activity, and associated hippocampal theta activity and spatial memory. In anesthetized and conscious rats, we identified the ability of intraseptal RLN3 signaling to modulate neuronal activity in the MS and hippocampus and promote hippocampal theta rhythm. Behavioral studies in a spontaneous alternation task indicated that endogenous RLN3 signaling within MS promoted spatial memory and exploratory activity significantly increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in RLN3-producing NI neurons. Anatomical studies demonstrated axons/terminals from NI/RLN3 neurons make close contact with septal GABAergic (and cholinergic) neurons, including those that project to the hippocampus. In summary, RLN3 neurons of the NI can modulate spatial memory and underlying hippocampal theta activity through axonal projections to pacemaker neurons of the MS. NI/RLN3 neurons are highly responsive to stress and express corticotropin-releasing factor type-1 receptors, suggesting that the effects observed could be an important component of memory processing associated with stress responses.

Identification of brain target neurons using a fluorescent conjugate of corticotropin-releasing factor

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a peptide well known for its role in coordinating various neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral components of the vertebrate stress response, including rapid enhancement of locomotor activity. Although CRF's locomotor enhancing properties are well documented, the neuronal mechanisms and specific target neurons that underlie the peptide's effect on locomotor behavior remain poorly understood. In the present study, we describe the synthesis and functional characteristics of a CRF rhodamine analogue TAMRA-X conjugate mixture (CRF-TAMRA 1), to be used for tracking this peptide's internalization into target neurons in the brainstem of an amphibian, the roughskin newt (Taricha granulosa). CRF-TAMRA 1 conjugate administration into the lateral cerebral ventricle resulted in a rapid, endosomal-like internalization of fluorescence into brainstem medullary neurons. In addition, central CRF-TAMRA 1 administration produced neurobehavioral effects comparable to the native peptide, effects that were blocked by pre-treatment with the CRF receptor antagonist, alpha-helical CRF. Taken together, our results show the efficacy of CRF-TAMRA 1 as a novel tool for tracking CRF internalization into targets neurons in vivo and ultimately, aiding in elucidating the neuronal mechanisms and circuitry underlying CRF's influence on behavioral and physiological responses to stress.