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Di Domenico F, Lanzillotta C, Perluigi M. Redox imbalance and metabolic defects in the context of Alzheimer disease. FEBS Lett 2024. [PMID: 38472147 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Redox reactions play a critical role for intracellular processes, including pathways involved in metabolism and signaling. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act either as second messengers or generators of protein modifications, fundamental mechanisms for signal transduction. Disturbance of redox homeostasis is associated with many disorders. Among these, Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative pathology that presents hallmarks of oxidative damage such as increased ROS production, decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes, oxidative modifications of macromolecules, and changes in mitochondrial homeostasis. Interestingly, alteration of redox homeostasis is closely associated with defects of energy metabolism, involving both carbohydrates and lipids, the major energy fuels for the cell. As the brain relies exclusively on glucose metabolism, defects of glucose utilization represent a harmful event for the brain. During aging, a progressive perturbation of energy metabolism occurs resulting in brain hypometabolism. This condition contributes to increase neuronal cell vulnerability ultimately resulting in cognitive impairment. The current review discusses the crosstalk between alteration of redox homeostasis and brain energy defects that seems to act in concert in promoting Alzheimer's neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Di Domenico
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Lanzillotta
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Perluigi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
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2
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Wrzesień A, Andrzejewski K, Jampolska M, Kaczyńska K. Respiratory Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease-Consequence or Underlying Cause? Applying Animal Models to the Study of Respiratory Malfunctions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2327. [PMID: 38397004 PMCID: PMC10888758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative brain disease that is the most common cause of dementia among the elderly. In addition to dementia, which is the loss of cognitive function, including thinking, remembering, and reasoning, and behavioral abilities, AD patients also experience respiratory disturbances. The most common respiratory problems observed in AD patients are pneumonia, shortness of breath, respiratory muscle weakness, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The latter is considered an outcome of Alzheimer's disease and is suggested to be a causative factor. While this narrative review addresses the bidirectional relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and Alzheimer's disease and reports on existing studies describing the most common respiratory disorders found in patients with Alzheimer's disease, its main purpose is to review all currently available studies using animal models of Alzheimer's disease to study respiratory impairments. These studies on animal models of AD are few in number but are crucial for establishing mechanisms, causation, implementing potential therapies for respiratory disorders, and ultimately applying these findings to clinical practice. This review summarizes what is already known in the context of research on respiratory disorders in animal models, while pointing out directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Katarzyna Kaczyńska
- Department of Respiration Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.); (K.A.); (M.J.)
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3
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Lin CP, Frigerio I, Bol JGJM, Bouwman MMA, Wesseling AJ, Dahl MJ, Rozemuller AJM, van der Werf YD, Pouwels PJW, van de Berg WDJ, Jonkman LE. Microstructural integrity of the locus coeruleus and its tracts reflect noradrenergic degeneration in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:9. [PMID: 38336865 PMCID: PMC10854137 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00400-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Degeneration of the locus coeruleus (LC) noradrenergic system contributes to clinical symptoms in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to evaluate the integrity of the LC noradrenergic system. The aim of the current study was to determine whether the diffusion MRI-measured integrity of the LC and its tracts are sensitive to noradrenergic degeneration in AD and PD. METHODS Post-mortem in situ T1-weighted and multi-shell diffusion MRI was performed for 9 AD, 14 PD, and 8 control brain donors. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity were derived from the LC, and from tracts between the LC and the anterior cingulate cortex, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the primary motor cortex (M1) or the hippocampus. Brain tissue sections of the LC and cortical regions were obtained and immunostained for dopamine-beta hydroxylase (DBH) to quantify noradrenergic cell density and fiber load. Group comparisons and correlations between outcome measures were performed using linear regression and partial correlations. RESULTS The AD and PD cases showed loss of LC noradrenergic cells and fibers. In the cortex, the AD cases showed increased DBH + immunoreactivity in the DLPFC compared to PD cases and controls, while PD cases showed reduced DBH + immunoreactivity in the M1 compared to controls. Higher FA within the LC was found for AD, which was correlated with loss of noradrenergic cells and fibers in the LC. Increased FA of the LC-DLPFC tract was correlated with LC noradrenergic fiber loss in the combined AD and control group, whereas the increased FA of the LC-M1 tract was correlated with LC noradrenergic neuronal loss in the combined PD and control group. The tract alterations were not correlated with cortical DBH + immunoreactivity. CONCLUSIONS In AD and PD, the diffusion MRI-detected alterations within the LC and its tracts to the DLPFC and the M1 were associated with local noradrenergic neuronal loss within the LC, rather than noradrenergic changes in the cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Pei Lin
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain imaging, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Irene Frigerio
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain imaging, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John G J M Bol
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maud M A Bouwman
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain imaging, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alex J Wesseling
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain imaging, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin J Dahl
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Annemieke J M Rozemuller
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Pathology, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ysbrand D van der Werf
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain imaging, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Compulsivity, Impulsivity and Attention Program, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Petra J W Pouwels
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain imaging, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilma D J van de Berg
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura E Jonkman
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain imaging, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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Gao Y, Tian S, Tang Y, Yang X, Dou W, Wang T, Shen Y, Tang Y, Zhang L, Ding H, Zhu Q, Li J, Qi M, Zhu Y. Investigating the spontaneous brain activities of patients with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment: an amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2023; 13:8557-8570. [PMID: 38106284 PMCID: PMC10722053 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are neurodegenerative processing stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cognitive decline is thought to manifest in intrinsic brain activity changes, but research results yielded conflicting and few studies have explored the roles of brain regions in cognitive decline, and sensitivity of the cognitive field to changes in the altered intrinsic brain activity. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 158 elderly participants were recruited from the memory clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2019 to May 2021, and grouped into SCD (n=73), MCI (n=46), and normal controls (NC) (n=39). The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was calculated and evaluated among the groups. Then canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was conducted to investigate the associations between imaging outcomes and cognitive behaviors. Results Neuropsychological tests in different cognitive dimensions and ALFF values of the prefrontal, parietal, and temporal gyrus, were significantly different (P<0.05) among the three groups, with no appreciable decline in daily activity. The changes in intrinsic activities were closely related to the decline in cognitive function (R=0.73, P=0.002). ALFF values in the left middle occipital gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus, left angular gyrus, and superior temporal gyrus played significant roles in the analysis, while the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Auditory-Verbal Learning Test scores were found to be more sensitive to changes in ALFF values. Conclusions Spontaneous brain activity is a stable imaging biomarker of cognitive impairment. ALFF changes of the prefrontal, occipital, left angular, and temporal gyrus were sensitive to identifying cognitive decline, and the scores of the Auditory-Verbal Learning Test and MoCA could predict the abnormal intrinsic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Gao
- Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Rehabilitation Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Shui Tian
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yao Tang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Jiangsu Province Geriatric Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Yang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiqiang Dou
- GE Healthcare, MR Research China, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yin Tang
- Department of Medical imaging, Jingjiang People’s Hospital, Jingjiang, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongyuan Ding
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qinqin Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahuan Li
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Qi
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Koohsari S, Sadabad FE, Pittman B, Gallezot JD, Carson RE, van Dyck CH, Li CSR, Potenza MN, Matuskey D. Relationships of in vivo brain norepinephrine transporter and age, BMI, and gender. Synapse 2023; 77:e22279. [PMID: 37382240 PMCID: PMC10416616 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Previous research reported an age-related decline in brain norepinephrine transporter (NET) using (S, S)-[11C]O-methylreboxetine ([11C]MRB) as a radiotracer. Studies with the same tracer have been mixed in regard to differences related to body mass index (BMI). Here, we investigated potential age-, BMI-, and gender-related differences in brain NET availability using [11C]MRB, the most selective available radiotracer. Forty-three healthy participants (20 females, 23 males; age range 18-49 years), including 12 individuals with normal/lean weight, 15 with overweight, and 16 with obesity were scanned with [11C]MRB using a positron emission tomography (PET) high-resolution research tomograph (HRRT). We evaluated binding potential (BPND ) in brain regions with high NET availability using multilinear reference tissue model 2 (MRTM2) with the occipital cortex as a reference region. Brain regions were delineated with a defined anatomic template applied to subjects' structural MR scans. We found a negative association between age and NET availability in the locus coeruleus, raphe nucleus, and hypothalamus, with a 17%, 19%, and 14% decrease per decade, respectively, in each region. No gender or BMI relationships with NET availability were observed. Our findings suggest an age-related decline, but no BMI- or gender-related differences, in NET availability in healthy adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheida Koohsari
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Brian Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Richard E Carson
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Chiang-Shan R Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, Connecticut
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - David Matuskey
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
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de Leo G, Gulino R, Coradazzi M, Leanza G. Acetylcholine and noradrenaline differentially regulate hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory. Brain Commun 2022; 5:fcac338. [PMID: 36632183 PMCID: PMC9825812 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe loss of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain nuclei and of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus are almost invariant histopathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. However, the role of these transmitter systems in the spectrum of cognitive dysfunctions typical of the disease is still unclear, nor is it yet fully known whether do these systems interact and how. Selective ablation of either neuronal population, or both of them combined, were produced in developing animals to investigate their respective and/or concurrent contribution to spatial learning and memory, known to be severely affected in Alzheimer's disease. Single or double lesions were created in 4-8 days old rats by bilateral intraventricular infusion of two selective immunotoxins. At about 16 weeks of age, the animals underwent behavioural tests specifically designed to evaluate reference and working memory abilities, and their brains were later processed for quantitative morphological analyses. Animals with lesion to either system alone showed no significant reference memory deficits which, by contrast, were evident in the double-lesioned subjects. These animals could not adopt an efficient search strategy on a given testing day and were unable to transfer all relevant information to the next day, suggesting deficits in acquisition, storage and/or recall. Only animals with single noradrenergic or double lesions exhibited impaired working memory. Interestingly, ablation of cholinergic afferents to the hippocampus stimulated a robust ingrowth of thick fibres from the superior cervical ganglion which, however, did not appear to have contributed to the observed cognitive performance. Ascending cholinergic and noradrenergic afferents to the hippocampus and neocortex appear to be primarily involved in the regulation of different cognitive domains, but they may functionally interact, mainly at hippocampal level, for sustaining normal learning and memory. Moreover, these transmitter systems are likely to compensate for each other, but apparently not via ingrowing sympathetic fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marino Coradazzi
- Neurogenesis and Repair Lab., B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Fleming 2, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giampiero Leanza
- Correspondence to: Giampiero Leanza Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania Via S. Sofia 64, 95125 Catania, Italy E-mail:
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Zareba MR, Furman W, Binder M. Influence of age and cognitive performance on resting-state functional connectivity of dopaminergic and noradrenergic centers. Brain Res 2022; 1796:148082. [PMID: 36115586 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with structural and functional changes in the brain, with a decline in cognitive functions observed as its inevitable concomitant. The body of literature suggests dopamine and noradrenaline as prominent candidate neuromodulators to mediate these effects; however, knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms is scarce. To fill this gap, we compared resting-state functional connectivity (FC) patterns of ventral tegmental area (VTA), substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and locus coeruleus (LC) in healthy young (20-35 years; N = 37) and older adults (55-80 years; N = 27). Additionally, we sought FC patterns of these structures associated with performance in tasks probing executive, attentional and reward functioning, and we compared the functional coupling of the bilateral SNc. The results showed that individual SNc had stronger coupling with ipsilateral cortical and subcortical areas along with the contralateral cerebellum in the whole sample, and that the strength of connections of this structure with angular gyrus and lateral orbitofrontal cortex predicted visuomotor search abilities. In turn, older age was associated with greater local synchronization within VTA, its lower FC with caudate, mediodorsal thalamus, and SNc, as well as higher FC of both midbrain dopaminergic seeds with red nuclei. LC functional coupling showed no differences between the groups and was not associated with any of the behavioral functions. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first to report the age-related effects on VTA local synchronization and its connectivity with key recipients of dopaminergic innervation, such as striatum and mediodorsal thalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Rafal Zareba
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Furman
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Marek Binder
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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8
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Åbjørsbråten KS, Skaaraas GHE, Cunen C, Bjørnstad DM, Binder KM, Bojarskaite L, Jensen V, Nilsson LNG, Rao SB, Tang W, Hermansen GH, Nagelhus EA, Ottersen OP, Torp R, Enger R. Impaired astrocytic Ca 2+ signaling in awake-behaving Alzheimer's disease transgenic mice. eLife 2022; 11:75055. [PMID: 35833623 PMCID: PMC9352348 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased astrocytic Ca2+ signaling has been shown in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models, but to date no reports have characterized behaviorally induced astrocytic Ca2+ signaling in such mice. Here, we employ an event-based algorithm to assess astrocytic Ca2+ signals in the neocortex of awake-behaving tg-ArcSwe mice and non-transgenic wildtype littermates while monitoring pupil responses and behavior. We demonstrate an attenuated astrocytic Ca2+ response to locomotion and an uncoupling of pupil responses and astrocytic Ca2+ signaling in 15-month-old plaque-bearing mice. Using the genetically encoded fluorescent norepinephrine sensor GRABNE, we demonstrate a reduced norepinephrine signaling during spontaneous running and startle responses in the transgenic mice, providing a possible mechanistic underpinning of the observed reduced astrocytic Ca2+ responses. Our data points to a dysfunction in the norepinephrine–astrocyte Ca2+ activity axis, which may account for some of the cognitive deficits observed in Alzheimer’s disease. Neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease are characterized by neurons dying and being damaged. Yet neurons are only one type of brain actors; astrocytes, for example, are star-shaped ‘companion’ cells that have recently emerged as being able to fine-tune neuronal communication. In particular, they can respond to norepinephrine, a signaling molecule that acts to prepare the brain and body for action. This activation results, for instance, in astrocytes releasing chemicals that can act on neurons. Certain cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease could be due to a lack of norepinephrine. In parallel, studies in anaesthetized mice have shown perturbed astrocyte signaling in a model of the condition. Disrupted norepinephrine-triggered astrocyte signaling could therefore be implicated in the symptoms of the disease. Experiments in awake mice are needed to investigate this link, especially as anesthesia is known to disrupt the activity of astrocytes. To explore this question, Åbjørsbråten, Skaaraas et al. conducted experiments in naturally behaving mice expressing mutations found in patients with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. These mice develop hallmarks of the disorder. Compared to their healthy counterparts, these animals had reduced astrocyte signaling when running or being startled. Similarly, a fluorescent molecular marker for norepinephrine demonstrated less signaling in the modified mice compared to healthy ones. Over 55 million individuals currently live with Alzheimer’s disease. The results by Åbjørsbråten, Skaaraas et al. suggest that astrocyte–norepinephrine communication may be implicated in the condition, an avenue of research that could potentially lead to developing new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gry H E Skaaraas
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Céline Cunen
- Department of Mathematics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Kristin M Binder
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Vidar Jensen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Shreyas B Rao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Wannan Tang
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Reidun Torp
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rune Enger
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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9
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Brondi M, Bruzzone M, Lodovichi C, dal Maschio M. Optogenetic Methods to Investigate Brain Alterations in Preclinical Models. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111848. [PMID: 35681542 PMCID: PMC9180859 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigating the neuronal dynamics supporting brain functions and understanding how the alterations in these mechanisms result in pathological conditions represents a fundamental challenge. Preclinical research on model organisms allows for a multiscale and multiparametric analysis in vivo of the neuronal mechanisms and holds the potential for better linking the symptoms of a neurological disorder to the underlying cellular and circuit alterations, eventually leading to the identification of therapeutic/rescue strategies. In recent years, brain research in model organisms has taken advantage, along with other techniques, of the development and continuous refinement of methods that use light and optical approaches to reconstruct the activity of brain circuits at the cellular and system levels, and to probe the impact of the different neuronal components in the observed dynamics. These tools, combining low-invasiveness of optical approaches with the power of genetic engineering, are currently revolutionizing the way, the scale and the perspective of investigating brain diseases. The aim of this review is to describe how brain functions can be investigated with optical approaches currently available and to illustrate how these techniques have been adopted to study pathological alterations of brain physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Brondi
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council-CNR, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35121 Padova, Italy; (M.B.); (C.L.)
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Via Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Bruzzone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58B, 35121 Padova, Italy;
- Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy
| | - Claudia Lodovichi
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council-CNR, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35121 Padova, Italy; (M.B.); (C.L.)
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Via Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58B, 35121 Padova, Italy;
- Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy
| | - Marco dal Maschio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58B, 35121 Padova, Italy;
- Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
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10
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Oyarzabal EA, Hsu LM, Das M, Chao THH, Zhou J, Song S, Zhang W, Smith KG, Sciolino NR, Evsyukova IY, Yuan H, Lee SH, Cui G, Jensen P, Shih YYI. Chemogenetic stimulation of tonic locus coeruleus activity strengthens the default mode network. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm9898. [PMID: 35486721 PMCID: PMC9054017 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm9898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The default mode network (DMN) of the brain is functionally associated with a wide range of behaviors. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and spectral fiber photometry to investigate the selective neuromodulatory effect of norepinephrine (NE)-releasing noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) on the mouse DMN. Chemogenetic-induced tonic LC activity decreased cerebral blood volume (CBV) and glucose uptake and increased synchronous low-frequency fMRI activity within the frontal cortices of the DMN. Fiber photometry results corroborated these findings, showing that LC-NE activation induced NE release, enhanced calcium-weighted neuronal spiking, and reduced CBV in the anterior cingulate cortex. These data suggest that LC-NE alters conventional coupling between neuronal activity and CBV in the frontal DMN. We also demonstrated that chemogenetic activation of LC-NE neurons strengthened functional connectivity within the frontal DMN, and this effect was causally mediated by reduced modulatory inputs from retrosplenial and hippocampal regions to the association cortices of the DMN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban A. Oyarzabal
- Center for Animal MRI, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Li-Ming Hsu
- Center for Animal MRI, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Manasmita Das
- Center for Animal MRI, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tzu-Hao Harry Chao
- Center for Animal MRI, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jingheng Zhou
- In Vivo Neurobiology Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Sheng Song
- Center for Animal MRI, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Weiting Zhang
- Center for Animal MRI, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kathleen G. Smith
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Natale R. Sciolino
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Irina Y. Evsyukova
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Hong Yuan
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sung-Ho Lee
- Center for Animal MRI, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Guohong Cui
- In Vivo Neurobiology Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Patricia Jensen
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Yen-Yu Ian Shih
- Center for Animal MRI, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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11
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David M, Malhotra PA. New approaches for the quantification and targeting of noradrenergic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:582-596. [PMID: 35293158 PMCID: PMC8994981 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is clear, early noradrenergic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. This is likely secondary to pathological tau deposition in the locus coeruleus, the pontine nucleus that produces and releases noradrenaline, prior to involvement of cortical brain regions. Disruption of noradrenergic pathways affects cognition, especially attention, impacting memory and broader functioning. Additionally, it leads to autonomic and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Despite the strong evidence of noradrenergic involvement in Alzheimer's, there are no clear trial data supporting the clinical use of any noradrenergic treatments. Several approaches have been tried, including proof-of-principle studies and (mostly small scale) randomised controlled trials. Treatments have included pharmacotherapies as well as stimulation. The lack of clear positive findings is likely secondary to limitations in gauging locus coeruleus integrity and dysfunction at an individual level. However, the recent development of several novel biomarkers holds potential and should allow quantification of dysfunction. This may then inform inclusion criteria and stratification for future trials. Imaging approaches have improved greatly following the development of neuromelanin-sensitive sequences, enabling the use of structural MRI to estimate locus coeruleus integrity. Additionally, functional MRI scanning has the potential to quantify network dysfunction. As well as neuroimaging, EEG, fluid biomarkers and pupillometry techniques may prove useful in assessing noradrenergic tone. Here, we review the development of these biomarkers and how they might augment clinical studies, particularly randomised trials, through identification of patients most likely to benefit from treatment. We outline the biomarkers with most potential, and how they may transform symptomatic therapy for people living with Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael David
- Imperial College London and the University of SurreyUK Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology CentreSir Michael Uren Hub, 86 Wood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
- Imperial College London, Brain SciencesSouth KensingtonLondonSW7 2AZUK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Clinical NeurosciencesCharing Cross HospitalLondonW2 1NYUK
| | - Paresh A. Malhotra
- Imperial College London and the University of SurreyUK Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology CentreSir Michael Uren Hub, 86 Wood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
- Imperial College London, Brain SciencesSouth KensingtonLondonSW7 2AZUK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Clinical NeurosciencesCharing Cross HospitalLondonW2 1NYUK
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12
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Brain Metabolic Alterations in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073785. [PMID: 35409145 PMCID: PMC8998942 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is one of the most energy-consuming organs in the body. Satisfying such energy demand requires compartmentalized, cell-specific metabolic processes, known to be complementary and intimately coupled. Thus, the brain relies on thoroughly orchestrated energy-obtaining agents, processes and molecular features, such as the neurovascular unit, the astrocyte-neuron metabolic coupling, and the cellular distribution of energy substrate transporters. Importantly, early features of the aging process are determined by the progressive perturbation of certain processes responsible for adequate brain energy supply, resulting in brain hypometabolism. These age-related brain energy alterations are further worsened during the prodromal stages of neurodegenerative diseases, namely Alzheimer's disease (AD), preceding the onset of clinical symptoms, and are anatomically and functionally associated with the loss of cognitive abilities. Here, we focus on concrete neuroenergetic features such as the brain's fueling by glucose and lactate, the transporters and vascular system guaranteeing its supply, and the metabolic interactions between astrocytes and neurons, and on its neurodegenerative-related disruption. We sought to review the principles underlying the metabolic dimension of healthy and AD brains, and suggest that the integration of these concepts in the preventive, diagnostic and treatment strategies for AD is key to improving the precision of these interventions.
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13
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Xu N, LaGrow TJ, Anumba N, Lee A, Zhang X, Yousefi B, Bassil Y, Clavijo GP, Khalilzad Sharghi V, Maltbie E, Meyer-Baese L, Nezafati M, Pan WJ, Keilholz S. Functional Connectivity of the Brain Across Rodents and Humans. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:816331. [PMID: 35350561 PMCID: PMC8957796 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.816331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), which measures the spontaneous fluctuations in the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal, is increasingly utilized for the investigation of the brain's physiological and pathological functional activity. Rodents, as a typical animal model in neuroscience, play an important role in the studies that examine the neuronal processes that underpin the spontaneous fluctuations in the BOLD signal and the functional connectivity that results. Translating this knowledge from rodents to humans requires a basic knowledge of the similarities and differences across species in terms of both the BOLD signal fluctuations and the resulting functional connectivity. This review begins by examining similarities and differences in anatomical features, acquisition parameters, and preprocessing techniques, as factors that contribute to functional connectivity. Homologous functional networks are compared across species, and aspects of the BOLD fluctuations such as the topography of the global signal and the relationship between structural and functional connectivity are examined. Time-varying features of functional connectivity, obtained by sliding windowed approaches, quasi-periodic patterns, and coactivation patterns, are compared across species. Applications demonstrating the use of rs-fMRI as a translational tool for cross-species analysis are discussed, with an emphasis on neurological and psychiatric disorders. Finally, open questions are presented to encapsulate the future direction of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Xu
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Theodore J. LaGrow
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Nmachi Anumba
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Azalea Lee
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Xiaodi Zhang
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Behnaz Yousefi
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Yasmine Bassil
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Gloria P. Clavijo
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Eric Maltbie
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lisa Meyer-Baese
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Maysam Nezafati
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Wen-Ju Pan
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shella Keilholz
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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14
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Imaging Clinical Subtypes and Associated Brain Networks in Alzheimer’s Disease. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020146. [PMID: 35203910 PMCID: PMC8869882 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) does not present uniform symptoms or a uniform rate of progression in all cases. The classification of subtypes can be based on clinical symptoms or patterns of pathological brain alterations. Imaging techniques may allow for the identification of AD subtypes and their differentiation from other neurodegenerative diseases already at an early stage. In this review, the strengths and weaknesses of current clinical imaging methods are described. These include positron emission tomography (PET) to image cerebral glucose metabolism and pathological amyloid or tau deposits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more widely available than PET. It provides information on structural or functional changes in brain networks and their relation to AD subtypes. Amyloid PET provides a very early marker of AD but does not distinguish between AD subtypes. Regional patterns of pathology related to AD subtypes are observed with tau and glucose PET, and eventually as atrophy patterns on MRI. Structural and functional network changes occur early in AD but have not yet provided diagnostic specificity.
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15
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Beard E, Lengacher S, Dias S, Magistretti PJ, Finsterwald C. Astrocytes as Key Regulators of Brain Energy Metabolism: New Therapeutic Perspectives. Front Physiol 2022; 12:825816. [PMID: 35087428 PMCID: PMC8787066 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.825816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play key roles in the regulation of brain energy metabolism, which has a major impact on brain functions, including memory, neuroprotection, resistance to oxidative stress and homeostatic tone. Energy demands of the brain are very large, as they continuously account for 20–25% of the whole body’s energy consumption. Energy supply of the brain is tightly linked to neuronal activity, providing the origin of the signals detected by the widely used functional brain imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. In particular, neuroenergetic coupling is regulated by astrocytes through glutamate uptake that triggers astrocytic aerobic glycolysis and leads to glucose uptake and lactate release, a mechanism known as the Astrocyte Neuron Lactate Shuttle. Other neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide mobilize glycogen, the reserve for glucose exclusively localized in astrocytes, also resulting in lactate release. Lactate is then transferred to neurons where it is used, after conversion to pyruvate, as a rapid energy substrate, and also as a signal that modulates neuronal excitability, homeostasis, and the expression of survival and plasticity genes. Importantly, glycolysis in astrocytes and more generally cerebral glucose metabolism progressively deteriorate in aging and age-associated neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. This decreased glycolysis actually represents a common feature of several neurological pathologies. Here, we review the critical role of astrocytes in the regulation of brain energy metabolism, and how dysregulation of astrocyte-mediated metabolic pathways is involved in brain hypometabolism. Further, we summarize recent efforts at preclinical and clinical stages to target brain hypometabolism for the development of new therapeutic interventions in age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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16
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Chaudhary S, Zhornitsky S, Chao HH, van Dyck CH, Li CSR. Emotion Processing Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease: An Overview of Behavioral Findings, Systems Neural Correlates, and Underlying Neural Biology. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2022; 37:15333175221082834. [PMID: 35357236 PMCID: PMC9212074 DOI: 10.1177/15333175221082834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We described behavioral studies to highlight emotional processing deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The findings suggest prominent deficit in recognizing negative emotions, pronounced effect of positive emotion on enhancing memory, and a critical role of cognitive deficits in manifesting emotional processing dysfunction in AD. We reviewed imaging studies to highlight morphometric and functional markers of hippocampal circuit dysfunction in emotional processing deficits. Despite amygdala reactivity to emotional stimuli, hippocampal dysfunction conduces to deficits in emotional memory. Finally, the reviewed studies implicating major neurotransmitter systems in anxiety and depression in AD supported altered cholinergic and noradrenergic signaling in AD emotional disorders. Overall, the studies showed altered emotions early in the course of illness and suggest the need of multimodal imaging for further investigations. Particularly, longitudinal studies with multiple behavioral paradigms translatable between preclinical and clinical models would provide data to elucidate the time course and underlying neurobiology of emotion processing dysfunction in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shefali Chaudhary
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Simon Zhornitsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Herta H. Chao
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Christopher H. van Dyck
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chiang-Shan R. Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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17
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Zaehle T, Galazky I, Krauel K. The LC-NE system as a potential target for neuromodulation to ameliorate non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Auton Neurosci 2021; 236:102901. [PMID: 34757309 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with severe motor symptoms but also with several non-motor symptoms (NMS). A substantial reduction of norepinephrine (NE) levels in various brain regions reflecting an extensive loss of innervation from the LC has been assumed as causal for the development of NMS and specifically of attentional impairments in PD. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a new, non-invasive neurostimulation method supposed to modulate the LC-NE system in humans. In the current opinion paper, we introduce taVNS as a systemic approach to directly affect NE neurotransmission in healthy as well as clinical populations and discuss its potential as therapeutic option for the treatment of NMS, specifically attentional deficits, in patients with PD. Here, we first describe the LC-NE system and discuss how LC-NE dysfunction might affects cognition in PD before detailing the mode of action of taVNS and proposing its use to modulate cognitive deficits in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tino Zaehle
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg 39106, Germany
| | - Imke Galazky
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Krauel
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg 39106, Germany; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
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18
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Ishikuro K, Hattori N, Imanishi R, Furuya K, Nakata T, Dougu N, Yamamoto M, Konishi H, Nukui T, Hayashi T, Anada R, Matsuda N, Hirosawa H, Tanaka R, Shibata T, Mori K, Noguchi K, Kuroda S, Nakatsuji Y, Nishijo H. A Parkinson's disease patient displaying increased neuromelanin-sensitive areas in the substantia nigra after rehabilitation with tDCS: a case report. Neurocase 2021; 27:407-414. [PMID: 34503372 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2021.1975768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the frontal polar area (FPA) ameliorated motor disability in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we report changes in neuromelanin (NM) imaging of dopaminergic neurons before and after rehabilitation combined with anodal tDCS over the FPA for 2 weeks in a PD patient. After the intervention, the patient showed clinically meaningful improvements while the NM-sensitive area in the SN increased by 18.8%. This case study is the first report of NM imaging of the SN in a PD patient who received tDCS.Abbreviations FPA: front polar area; PD: Parkinson's disease; NM: neuromelanin; DCI: DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor; STEF: simple test for evaluating hand function; TUG: timed up and go test; TMT: trail-making test; SN: substantia nigra; NM-MRI: neuromelanin magnetic resonance imaging; MCID: the minimal clinically important difference; SNpc: substantia nigra pars compacta; VTA: ventral tegmental area; LC: locus coeruleus; PFC: prefrontal cortex; M1: primary motor cortex; MDS: Movement Disorder Society; MIBG: 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine; SBR: specific binding ratio; SPECT: single-photon emission computed tomography; DAT: dopamine transporter; NIBS: noninvasive brain stimulation; tDCS: transcranial direct current stimulation; MAOB: monoamine oxidase B; DCI: decarboxylase inhibitor; repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation: rTMS; diffusion tensor imaging: DTI; arterial spin labeling: ASL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Ishikuro
- Department of Rehabilitation, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Noriaki Hattori
- Department of Rehabilitation, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Rieko Imanishi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kohta Furuya
- Department of Rehabilitation, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nakata
- Department of Rehabilitation, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Dougu
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Mamoru Yamamoto
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Konishi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takamasa Nukui
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Hayashi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ryoko Anada
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Matsuda
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Hirosawa
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ryo Tanaka
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takashi Shibata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama, Japan
| | - Koichi Mori
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kyo Noguchi
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuroda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yuji Nakatsuji
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hisao Nishijo
- System Emotional Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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19
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Zhou C, Guo T, Wu J, Wang L, Bai X, Gao T, Guan X, Gu L, Huang P, Xuan M, Gu Q, Xu X, Zhang B, Cheng W, Feng J, Zhang M. Locus Coeruleus Degeneration Correlated with Levodopa Resistance in Parkinson's Disease: A Retrospective Analysis. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:1631-1640. [PMID: 34366373 PMCID: PMC8609680 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-212720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: The widely divergent responsiveness of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients to levodopa is an important clinical issue because of its relationship with quality of life and disease prognosis. Preliminary animal experiments have suggested that degeneration of the locus coeruleus (LC) attenuates the efficacy of levodopa treatment. Objective: To explore the relationship between LC degeneration and levodopa responsiveness in PD patients in vivo. Methods: Neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (NM-MRI), a good indicator of LC and substantia nigra (SN) degeneration, and levodopa challenge tests were conducted in 57 PD patients. Responsiveness to levodopa was evaluated by the rates of change of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III score and somatomotor network synchronization calculated from resting-state functional MRI before and after levodopa administration. Next, we assessed the relationship between the contrast-to-noise ratio of LC (CNRLC) and levodopa responsiveness. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to rule out the potential influence of SN degeneration on levodopa responsiveness. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between CNRLC and the motor improvement after levodopa administration (R = 0.421, p = 0.004). CNRLC also correlated with improvement in somatomotor network synchronization (R = –0.323, p = 0.029). Furthermore, the relationship between CNRLC and levodopa responsiveness was independent of SN degeneration. Conclusion: LC degeneration might be an essential factor for levodopa resistance. LC evaluation using NM-MRI might be an alternative tool for predicting levodopa responsiveness and for helping to stratify patients into clinical trials aimed at improving the efficacy of levodopa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - JingJing Wu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linbo Wang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueqin Bai
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Guan
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luyan Gu
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiyu Huang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Xuan
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Quanquan Gu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Baorong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianfeng Feng
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Minming Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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20
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Gasiorowska A, Wydrych M, Drapich P, Zadrozny M, Steczkowska M, Niewiadomski W, Niewiadomska G. The Biology and Pathobiology of Glutamatergic, Cholinergic, and Dopaminergic Signaling in the Aging Brain. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:654931. [PMID: 34326765 PMCID: PMC8315271 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.654931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The elderly population is growing worldwide, with important health and socioeconomic implications. Clinical and experimental studies on aging have uncovered numerous changes in the brain, such as decreased neurogenesis, increased synaptic defects, greater metabolic stress, and enhanced inflammation. These changes are associated with cognitive decline and neurobehavioral deficits. Although aging is not a disease, it is a significant risk factor for functional worsening, affective impairment, disease exaggeration, dementia, and general disease susceptibility. Conversely, life events related to mental stress and trauma can also lead to accelerated age-associated disorders and dementia. Here, we review human studies and studies on mice and rats, such as those modeling human neurodegenerative diseases, that have helped elucidate (1) the dynamics and mechanisms underlying the biological and pathological aging of the main projecting systems in the brain (glutamatergic, cholinergic, and dopaminergic) and (2) the effect of defective glutamatergic, cholinergic, and dopaminergic projection on disabilities associated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Detailed knowledge of the mechanisms of age-related diseases can be an important element in the development of effective ways of treatment. In this context, we briefly analyze which adverse changes associated with neurodegenerative diseases in the cholinergic, glutaminergic and dopaminergic systems could be targeted by therapeutic strategies developed as a result of our better understanding of these damaging mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gasiorowska
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Wydrych
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Patrycja Drapich
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Zadrozny
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Steczkowska
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiktor Niewiadomski
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grazyna Niewiadomska
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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21
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Kelly L, Seifi M, Ma R, Mitchell SJ, Rudolph U, Viola KL, Klein WL, Lambert JJ, Swinny JD. Identification of intraneuronal amyloid beta oligomers in locus coeruleus neurons of Alzheimer's patients and their potential impact on inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors and neuronal excitability. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:488-505. [PMID: 33119191 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Amyloid β-oligomers (AβO) are potent modulators of Alzheimer's pathology, yet their impact on one of the earliest brain regions to exhibit signs of the condition, the locus coeruleus (LC), remains to be determined. Of particular importance is whether AβO impact the spontaneous excitability of LC neurons. This parameter determines brain-wide noradrenaline (NA) release, and thus NA-mediated brain functions, including cognition, emotion and immune function, which are all compromised in Alzheimer's patients. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the expression profile of AβO in the LC of Alzheimer's patients and to probe their potential impact on the molecular and functional correlates of LC excitability, using a mouse model of increased Aβ production (APP-PSEN1). METHODS AND RESULTS Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, using AβO-specific antibodies, confirmed LC AβO expression both intraneuronally and extracellularly in both Alzheimer's and APP-PSEN1 samples. Patch clamp electrophysiology recordings revealed that APP-PSEN1 LC neuronal hyperexcitability accompanied this AβO expression profile, arising from a diminished inhibitory effect of GABA due to impaired expression and function of the GABA-A receptor (GABAA R) α3 subunit. This altered LC α3-GABAA R expression profile overlapped with AβO expression in samples from both APP-PSEN1 mice and Alzheimer's patients. Finally, strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors (GlyRs) remained resilient to Aβ-induced changes and their activation reversed LC hyperexcitability. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest a close association between AβO and α3-GABAA Rs in the LC of Alzheimer's patients, and their potential to dysregulate LC activity, thereby contributing to the spectrum of pathology of the LC-NA system in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Kelly
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Mohsen Seifi
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Ruolin Ma
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Scott J Mitchell
- Neuroscience, Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee University, Dundee, UK
| | - Uwe Rudolph
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Kirsten L Viola
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - William L Klein
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jeremy J Lambert
- Neuroscience, Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee University, Dundee, UK
| | - Jerome D Swinny
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
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22
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Kelly SC, Nelson PT, Counts SE. Pontine Arteriolosclerosis and Locus Coeruleus Oxidative Stress Differentiate Resilience from Mild Cognitive Impairment in a Clinical Pathologic Cohort. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 80:325-335. [PMID: 33709107 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlab017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Locus coeruleus (LC) neurodegeneration is associated with cognitive deterioration during the transition from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer disease (AD). However, the extent to which LC degenerative processes differentiate cognitively normal, "resilient" subjects bearing a high AD pathological burden from those with MCI or AD remains unclear. We approached this problem by quantifying the number of LC neurons and the percentage of LC neurons bearing AT8 tau pathology, TDP-43 pathology, or a marker for DNA/RNA oxidative damage, in well-characterized subjects diagnosed as normal cognition-low AD pathology (NC-LP), NC-high AD pathology (NC-HP), MCI, or mild/moderate AD. In addition, the severity of pontine arteriolosclerosis in each subject was compared across the groups. There was a trend for a step-wise ∼20% loss of LC neuron number between the NC-LP, NC-HP and MCI subjects despite a successive, significant ∼80%-100% increase in tau pathology between these groups. In contrast, increasing pontine arteriolosclerosis severity scores and LC oxidative stress burden significantly separated the NC-LP/HP and MCI/AD groups via comparative, correlation, and regression analysis. Pontine perfusion, as well as LC neuronal metabolic and redox function, may impact noradrenergic LC modulation of cognition during the preclinical and prodromal stages of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Kelly
- From the Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Peter T Nelson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.,Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.,University of Kentucky Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Scott E Counts
- From the Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.,Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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23
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Kitano T, Eguchi R, Okamatsu-Ogura Y, Yamaguchi S, Otsuguro KI. Opposing functions of α- and β-adrenoceptors in the formation of processes by cultured astrocytes. J Pharmacol Sci 2021; 145:228-240. [PMID: 33602503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are glial cells with numerous fine processes which are important for the functions of the central nervous system. The activation of β-adrenoceptors induces process formation of astrocytes via cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling. However, the role of α-adrenoceptors in the astrocyte morphology has not been elucidated. Here, we examined it by using cultured astrocytes from neonatal rat spinal cords and cortices. Exposure of these cells to noradrenaline and the β-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol increased intracellular cAMP levels and induced the formation of processes. Noradrenaline-induced process formation was enhanced with the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin and α2-adrenoceptor antagonist atipamezole. Atipamezole also enhanced noradrenaline-induced cAMP elevation. Isoproterenol-induced process formation was not inhibited by the α1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine but was inhibited by the α2-adrenoceptor agonist dexmedetomidine. Dexmedetomidine also inhibited process formation induced by the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin and the membrane-permeable cAMP analog dibutyryl-cAMP. Moreover, dexmedetomidine inhibited cAMP-independent process formation induced by adenosine or the Rho-associated kinase inhibitor Y27632. In the presence of propranolol, noradrenaline inhibited Y27632-induced process formation, which was abolished by prazosin or atipamezole. These results demonstrate that α-adrenoceptors inhibit both cAMP-dependent and -independent astrocytic process formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taisuke Kitano
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ryota Eguchi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yuko Okamatsu-Ogura
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Soichiro Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Otsuguro
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.
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24
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Noradrenergic correlates of chronic cocaine craving: neuromelanin and functional brain imaging. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:851-859. [PMID: 33408330 PMCID: PMC8027452 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00937-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical studies have implicated noradrenergic (NA) dysfunction in cocaine addiction. In particular, the NA system plays a central role in motivated behavior and may partake in the regulation of craving and drug use. Yet, human studies of the NA system are scarce, likely hampered by the difficulty in precisely localizing the locus coeruleus (LC). Here, we used neuromelanin imaging to localize the LC and quantified LC neuromelanin signal (NMS) intensity in 44 current cocaine users (CU; 37 men) and 59 nondrug users (NU; 44 men). We also employed fMRI to investigate cue-induced regional responses and LC functional connectivities, as quantified by generalized psychophysiological interaction (gPPI), in CU. Imaging data were processed by published routines and the findings were evaluated with a corrected threshold. We examined how these neural measures were associated with chronic cocaine craving, as assessed by the Cocaine Craving Questionnaire (CCQ). Compared to NU, CU demonstrated higher LC NMS for all probabilistic thresholds defined of 50-90% of the peak. In contrast, NMS of the ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra (VTA/SN) did not show significant group differences. Drug as compared to neutral cues elicited higher activations of many cortical and subcortical regions, none of which were significantly correlated with CCQ score. Drug vs. neutral cues also elicited "deactivation" of bilateral parahippocampal gyri (PHG) and PHG gPPI with a wide array of cortical and subcortical regions, including the ventral striatum and, with small volume correction, the LC. Less deactivation of the PHG (r = 0.40, p = 0.008) and higher PHG-LC gPPI (r = 0.44, p = 0.003) were positively correlated with the CCQ score. In contrast, PHG-VTA/SN connectivity did not correlate with the CCQ score. Together, chronic cocaine exposure may induce higher NMS intensity, suggesting neurotoxic effects on the LC. The correlation of cue-elicited PHG LC connectivity with CCQ score suggests a noradrenergic correlate of chronic cocaine craving. Potentially compensating for memory functions as in neurodegenerative conditions, cue-elicited PHG LC circuit connectivity plays an ill-adaptive role in supporting cocaine craving.
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25
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Yousefi B, Keilholz S. Propagating patterns of intrinsic activity along macroscale gradients coordinate functional connections across the whole brain. Neuroimage 2021; 231:117827. [PMID: 33549755 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.117827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The intrinsic activity of the human brain, observed with resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) and functional connectivity, exhibits macroscale spatial organization such as functional networks and gradients. Dynamic analysis techniques have shown that functional connectivity is a mere summary of time-varying patterns with distinct spatial and temporal characteristics. A better understanding of these patterns might provide insight into aspects of the brain's intrinsic activity that cannot be inferred by functional connectivity or the spatial maps derived from it, such as functional networks and gradients. Here, we describe three spatiotemporal patterns of coordinated activity across the whole brain obtained by averaging similar ~20-second-long segments of rsfMRI timeseries. In each of these patterns, activity propagates along a particular macroscale functional gradient, simultaneously across the cerebral cortex and in most other brain regions. In some regions, like the thalamus, the propagation suggests previously-undescribed gradients. The coordinated activity across areas is consistent with known tract-based connections, and nuanced differences in the timing of peak activity between regions point to plausible driving mechanisms. The magnitude of correlation within and particularly between functional networks is remarkably diminished when these patterns are regressed from the rsfMRI timeseries, a quantitative demonstration of their significant role in functional connectivity. Taken together, our results suggest that a few recurring patterns of propagating intrinsic activity along macroscale gradients give rise to and coordinate functional connections across the whole brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Yousefi
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University/Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30322, GA, United States
| | - Shella Keilholz
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University/Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30322, GA, United States.
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26
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Autophagy status as a gateway for stress-induced catecholamine interplay in neurodegeneration. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 123:238-256. [PMID: 33497785 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The catecholamine-containing brainstem nuclei locus coeruleus (LC) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are critically involved in stress responses. Alterations of catecholamine systems during chronic stress may contribute to neurodegeneration, including cognitive decline. Stress-related catecholamine alterations, while contributing to anxiety and depression, might accelerate neuronal degeneration by increasing the formation of toxic dopamine and norepinephrine by-products. These, in turn, may impair proteostasis within a variety of cortical and subcortical areas. In particular, the molecular events governing neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, and proteostasis within LC and VTA affect a variety of brain areas. Therefore, we focus on alterations of autophagy machinery in these nuclei as a relevant trigger in this chain of events. In fact, these catecholamine-containing areas are mostly prone to autophagy-dependent neurodegeneration. Thus, we propose a dynamic hypothesis according to which stress-induced autophagy alterations within the LC-VTA network foster a cascade towards early neurodegeneration within these nuclei.
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27
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Grueschow M, Kleim B, Ruff CC. Role of the locus coeruleus arousal system in cognitive control. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12890. [PMID: 32820571 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive control lies at the core of human adaptive behaviour. Humans vary substantially in their ability to execute cognitive control with respect to optimally facing environmental challenges, although the neural origins of this heterogeneity are currently not well understood. Recent theoretical frameworks implicate the locus coeruleus noradrenergic arousal system (LC-NE) in that process. Invasive neurophysiological work in rodents has shown that the LC-NE is an important homeostatic control centre of the body. LC-NE innervates the entire neocortex and has particularly strong connections with the cingulate gyrus. In the present study, using a response conflict task, functional magnetic resonance imaging and concurrent pupil dilation measures (a proxy for LC-NE firing), we provide empirical evidence for a decisive role of the LC-NE in cognitive control in humans. We show that the level of individual behavioural adjustment in cognitive control relates to the level of functional coupling between LC-NE and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, as well as dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Moreover, we show that the pupil is substantially more dilated during conflict trials requiring behavioural adjustment than during no conflict trials. In addition, we explore a potential relationship between pupil dilation and neural activity during choice conflict adjustments. Our data provide novel insight into arousal-related influences on cognitive control and suggest pupil dilation as a potential external marker for endogenous neural processes involved in optimising behavioural control. Our results may also be clinically relevant for a variety of pathologies where cognitive control is compromised, such as anxiety, depression, addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Grueschow
- Department of Economics, Zurich Center for Neuroeconomics (ZNE), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Kleim
- Department of Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian C Ruff
- Department of Economics, Zurich Center for Neuroeconomics (ZNE), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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28
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Privitera M, Ferrari KD, von Ziegler LM, Sturman O, Duss SN, Floriou-Servou A, Germain PL, Vermeiren Y, Wyss MT, De Deyn PP, Weber B, Bohacek J. A complete pupillometry toolbox for real-time monitoring of locus coeruleus activity in rodents. Nat Protoc 2020; 15:2301-2320. [PMID: 32632319 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-0324-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC) is a region in the brainstem that produces noradrenaline and is involved in both normal and pathological brain function. Pupillometry, the measurement of pupil diameter, provides a powerful readout of LC activity in rodents, primates and humans. The protocol detailed here describes a miniaturized setup that can screen LC activity in rodents in real-time and can be established within 1-2 d. Using low-cost Raspberry Pi computers and cameras, the complete custom-built system costs only ~300 euros, is compatible with stereotaxic surgery frames and seamlessly integrates into complex experimental setups. Tools for pupil tracking and a user-friendly Pupillometry App allow quantification, analysis and visualization of pupil size. Pupillometry can discriminate between different, physiologically relevant firing patterns of the LC and can accurately report LC activation as measured by noradrenaline turnover. Pupillometry provides a rapid, non-invasive readout that can be used to verify accurate placement of electrodes/fibers in vivo, thus allowing decisions about the inclusion/exclusion of individual animals before experiments begin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Privitera
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kim David Ferrari
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Experimental Imaging and Neuroenergetics, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas M von Ziegler
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Sturman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sian N Duss
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amalia Floriou-Servou
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Luc Germain
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yannick Vermeiren
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk (Antwerp), Antwerpen, Belgium.,Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Matthias T Wyss
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Experimental Imaging and Neuroenergetics, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter P De Deyn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk (Antwerp), Antwerpen, Belgium.,Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Memory Clinic of Hospital Network Antwerp (ZNA) Middelheim and Hoge Beuken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bruno Weber
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Experimental Imaging and Neuroenergetics, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Johannes Bohacek
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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29
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Janitzky K. Impaired Phasic Discharge of Locus Coeruleus Neurons Based on Persistent High Tonic Discharge-A New Hypothesis With Potential Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Neurol 2020; 11:371. [PMID: 32477246 PMCID: PMC7235306 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC) is a small brainstem nucleus with widely distributed noradrenergic projections to the whole brain, and loss of LC neurons is a prominent feature of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). This article discusses the hypothesis that in early stages of neurodegenerative diseases, the discharge mode of LC neurons could be changed to a persistent high tonic discharge, which in turn might impair phasic discharge. Since phasic discharge of LC neurons is required for the release of high amounts of norepinephrine (NE) in the brain to promote anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, persistent high tonic discharge of LC neurons could be a key factor in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Transcutaneous vagal stimulation (t-VNS), a non-invasive technique that potentially increases phasic discharge of LC neurons, could therefore provide a non-pharmacological treatment approach in specific disease stages. This article focuses on LC vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases, discusses the hypothesis that a persistent high tonic discharge of LC neurons might affect neurodegenerative processes, and finally reflects on t-VNS as a potentially useful clinical tool in specific stages of AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Janitzky
- Department of Neurology, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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30
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Impairments in face discrimination and emotion recognition are related to aging and cognitive dysfunctions in Parkinson's disease with dementia. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4367. [PMID: 32152359 PMCID: PMC7062803 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61310-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) suffer from motor and non-motor symptoms; 40% would develop dementia (PD-D). Impaired face and emotion processing in PD has been reported; however, the deficits of face processing in PD-D remain unclear. We investigated three essential aspects of face processing capacity in PD-D, and the associations between cognitive, neuropsychiatric assessments and task performances. Twenty-four PD-D patients (mean age: 74.0 ± 5.55) and eighteen age-matched healthy controls (HC) (mean age: 71.0 ± 6.20) received three computerized tasks, morphing-face discrimination, dynamic facial emotion recognition, and expression imitation. Compared to HC, PD-D patients had lower sensitivity (d’) and greater neural internal noises in discriminating faces; responded slower and had difficulties with negative emotions; imitated some expressions but with lower strength. Correlation analyses revealed that patients with advancing age, slow mentation, and poor cognition (but not motor symptoms) showed stronger deterioration in face perception. Importantly, these correlations were absent in the age-matched HC. The present study is among the first few examined face processing in patients with PD-D, and found consistent deficits correlated with advancing age and slow mentation. We propose that face discrimination task could be included as a potential test for the early detection of dementia in PD.
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31
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Vicente MC, Humphrey CM, Gargaglioni LH, Ostrowski TD. Decreased excitability of locus coeruleus neurons during hypercapnia is exaggerated in the streptozotocin-model of Alzheimer's disease. Exp Neurol 2020; 328:113250. [PMID: 32088169 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC) is a pontine nucleus important for respiratory control and central chemoreception. It is affected in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and alteration of LC cell function may account for respiratory problems observed in AD patients. In the current study, we tested the electrophysiological properties and CO2/pH sensitivity of LC neurons in a model for AD. Sporadic AD was induced in rats by intracerebroventricular injection of 2 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ), which induces behavioral and molecular impairments found in AD. LC neurons were recorded using the patch clamp technique and tested for responses to CO2 (10% CO2, pH = 7.0). The majority (~60%) of noradrenergic LC neurons in adult rats were inhibited by CO2 exposure as indicated by a significant decrease in action potential (AP) discharge to step depolarizations. The STZ-AD rat model had a greater sensitivity to CO2 than controls. The increased CO2-sensitivity was demonstrated by a significantly stronger inhibition of activity during hypercapnia that was in part due to hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential. Reduction of AP discharge in both groups was generally accompanied by lower LC network activity, depolarized AP threshold, increased AP repolarization, and increased current through a subpopulation of voltage-gated K+ channels (KV). The latter was indicated by enhanced transient KV currents particularly in the STZ-AD group. Interestingly, steady-state KV currents were reduced under hypercapnia, a change that would favor enhanced AP discharge. However, the collective response of most LC neurons in adult rats, and particularly those in the STZ-AD group, was inhibited by CO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariane C Vicente
- Department of Physiology, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville, MO, USA; Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Sao Paulo State University-UNESP/FCAV at Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Chuma M Humphrey
- Department of Biology, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO, USA
| | - Luciane H Gargaglioni
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Sao Paulo State University-UNESP/FCAV at Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Tim D Ostrowski
- Department of Physiology, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville, MO, USA.
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32
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Kawano H, Mitchell SB, Koh JY, Goodman KM, Harata NC. Calcium-induced calcium release in noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus. Brain Res 2020; 1729:146627. [PMID: 31883849 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC) is a nucleus within the brainstem that consists of norepinephrine-releasing neurons. It is involved in broad processes including cognitive and emotional functions. Understanding the mechanisms that control the excitability of LC neurons is important because they innervate widespread brain regions. One of the key regulators is cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c), the increases in which can be amplified by calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) from intracellular calcium stores. Although the electrical activities of LC neurons are regulated by changes in [Ca2+]c, the extent of CICR involvement in this regulation has remained unclear. Here we show that CICR hyperpolarizes acutely dissociated LC neurons of the rat and demonstrate the underlying pathway. When CICR was activated by extracellular application of 10 mM caffeine, LC neurons were hyperpolarized in the current-clamp mode of patch-clamp recording, and the majority of neurons showed an outward current in the voltage-clamp mode. This outward current was accompanied by increased membrane conductance, and its reversal potential was close to the K+ equilibrium potential, indicating that it is mediated by opening of K+ channels. The outward current was generated in the absence of extracellular calcium and was blocked when the calcium stores were inhibited by applying ryanodine. Pharmacological blockers indicated that it was mediated by Ca2+-activated K+ channels of the non-small conductance type. The application of caffeine increased [Ca2+]c, as visualized by fluorescence microscopy. These findings show CICR suppresses LC neuronal activity, and indicate its dynamic role in modulating the LC-mediated noradrenergic tone in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Kawano
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sara B Mitchell
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jin-Young Koh
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa College of Engineering, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kirsty M Goodman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - N Charles Harata
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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33
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Dhingra I, Zhang S, Zhornitsky S, Le TM, Wang W, Chao HH, Levy I, Li CSR. The effects of age on reward magnitude processing in the monetary incentive delay task. Neuroimage 2020; 207:116368. [PMID: 31743790 PMCID: PMC7463276 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested age-related differences in reward-directed behavior and cerebral processes in support of the age effects. However, it remains unclear how age may influence the processing of reward magnitude. Here, with 54 volunteers (22-74 years of age) participating in the Monetary Incentive Delay Task (MIDT) with explicit cues ($1, ¢1, or nil) and timed response to win, we characterized brain activations during anticipation and feedback and the effects of age on these regional activations. Behaviorally, age was associated with less reaction time (RT) difference between dollar and cent trials, as a result of slower response to the dollar trials; i.e., age was positively correlated with RT dollar - RT cent, with RT nil as a covariate. Both age and the RT difference ($1 - ¢1) were correlated with diminished activation of the right caudate head, right anterior insula, supplementary motor area (SMA)/pre-SMA, visual cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, right superior/middle frontal gyri, and left primary motor cortex during anticipation of $1 vs. ¢1 reward. Further, these regional activities mediated the age effects on RT differences. In responses to outcomes, age was associated with decreases in regional activations to dollar vs. cent loss but only because of higher age-related responses to cent losses. Together, these findings suggest age-related differences in sensitivity to the magnitude of reward. With lower cerebral responses during anticipation to win large rewards and higher responses to outcomes of small loss, aging incurs a constricted sensitivity to the magnitude of reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha Dhingra
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Simon Zhornitsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Thang M Le
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wuyi Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Herta H Chao
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ifat Levy
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chiang-Shan R Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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34
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Gonzalez‐Lopez E, Vrana KE. Dopamine beta‐hydroxylase and its genetic variants in human health and disease. J Neurochem 2019; 152:157-181. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kent E. Vrana
- Department of Pharmacology Penn State College of Medicine Hershey PA USA
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35
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Machado GDB, de Freitas BS, Florian LZ, Monteiro RT, Gus H, Schröder N. G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor stimulation ameliorates iron- and ovariectomy-induced memory impairments through the cAMP/PKA/CREB signalling pathway. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12780. [PMID: 31418949 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Iron accumulation in the brain has been associated with neurodegenerative disorders, and imaging studies in humans indicate that iron content in brain regions correlates with poor performance in cognitive tasks. In rats, iron overload impairs memory retention in a variety of memory tasks. Although the effects of iron on cognition in rodents are extensively reported, no previous study has been conducted in female rats. The incidence of certain dementias, such as Alzheimer's disease, is higher in women after menopause compared to aged-matched men. The role of oestrogen depletion in memory deficits in menopausal women is still a matter of debate. The present study aimed to characterise the effects of iron overload on memory in female rats by investigating the effects of ovariectomy (OVX, an experimental model of oestrogen depletion) in rats submitted to iron overload, as well as examining the effects of G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER) agonism on memory impairments induced by iron and OVX. Female rats received iron (30 mg kg-1 , orally) or vehicle at postnatal days 12-14 and were submitted to OVX in adulthood. Results showed that either iron or OVX impaired memory for object placement and inhibitory avoidance. The selective GPER agonist G1, administered immediately after training, reversed both iron- and OVX-induced memory impairments. G1 effects were abolished by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibition, suggesting the involvement of the cAMP/PKA/CREB signalling pathway. The search for novel oestrogen agonists with positive effects on cognition may be promising for the development of treatments for memory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Dalto Barroso Machado
- Neurobiology and Developmental Biology Laboratory, School of Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Betânia Souza de Freitas
- Neurobiology and Developmental Biology Laboratory, School of Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Zanetti Florian
- Neurobiology and Developmental Biology Laboratory, School of Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Tavares Monteiro
- Neurobiology and Developmental Biology Laboratory, School of Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Henrique Gus
- Neurobiology and Developmental Biology Laboratory, School of Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Nadja Schröder
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq), Brasília, Brazil
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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36
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Ghosh A, Torraville SE, Mukherjee B, Walling SG, Martin GM, Harley CW, Yuan Q. An experimental model of Braak's pretangle proposal for the origin of Alzheimer's disease: the role of locus coeruleus in early symptom development. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2019; 11:59. [PMID: 31266535 PMCID: PMC6607586 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-019-0511-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background The earliest brain pathology related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is hyperphosphorylated soluble tau in the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) neurons. Braak characterizes five pretangle tau stages preceding AD tangles. Pretangles begin in young humans and persist in the LC while spreading from there to other neuromodulatory neurons and, later, to the cortex. While LC pretangles appear in all by age 40, they do not necessarily result in AD prior to death. However, with age and pretangle spread, more individuals progress to AD stages. LC neurons are lost late, at Braak stages III–IV, when memory deficits appear. It is not clear if LC hyperphosphorylated tau generates the pathology and cognitive changes associated with preclinical AD. We use a rat model expressing pseudohyperphosphorylated human tau in LC to investigate the hypothesis that LC pretangles generate preclinical Alzheimer pathology. Methods We infused an adeno-associated viral vector carrying a human tau gene pseudophosphorylated at 14 sites common in LC pretangles into 2–3- or 14–16-month TH-Cre rats. We used odor discrimination to probe LC dysfunction, and we evaluated LC cell and fiber loss. Results Abnormal human tau was expressed in LC and exhibited somatodendritic mislocalization. In rats infused at 2–3 months old, 4 months post-infusion abnormal LC tau had transferred to the serotonergic raphe neurons. After 7 months, difficult similar odor discrimination learning was impaired. Impairment was associated with reduced LC axonal density in the olfactory cortex and upregulated β1-adrenoceptors. LC infusions in 14–16-month-old rats resulted in more severe outcomes. By 5–6 months post-infusion, rats were impaired even in simple odor discrimination learning. LC neuron number was reduced. Human tau appeared in the microglia and cortical neurons. Conclusions Our animal model suggests, for the first time, that Braak’s hypothesis that human AD originates with pretangle stages is plausible. LC pretangle progression here generates both preclinical AD pathological changes and cognitive decline. The odor discrimination deficits are similar to human odor identification deficits seen with aging and preclinical AD. When initiated in aged rats, pretangle stages progress rapidly and cause LC cell loss. These age-related outcomes are associated with a severe learning impairment consistent with memory decline in Braak stages III–IV. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13195-019-0511-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinaba Ghosh
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Sarah E Torraville
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Bandhan Mukherjee
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Susan G Walling
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Gerard M Martin
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Carolyn W Harley
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada.
| | - Qi Yuan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada.
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Guan X, Zhang Y, Wei H, Guo T, Zeng Q, Zhou C, Wang J, Gao T, Xuan M, Gu Q, Xu X, Huang P, Pu J, Zhang B, Liu C, Zhang M. Iron-related nigral degeneration influences functional topology mediated by striatal dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 75:83-97. [PMID: 30554085 PMCID: PMC6538269 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In Parkinson's disease (PD), iron accumulation in the substantia nigra (SN) exacerbates oxidative stress and α-synuclein aggregation, leading to neuronal death. However, the influence of iron-related nigral degeneration on the subcortical function and global network configuration in PD remains unknown. Ninety PD patients and 38 normal controls underwent clinical assessments and multimodality magnetic resonance imaging scans. Iron accumulation in the inferior SN and disrupted functional connectivity between the bilateral striatums were observed in PD, and negative correlation between them was found in the whole population. The binarized functional network exhibited enhanced global efficiency and reduced local efficiency while the weighted functional network exhibited reduction in both, and both changes were correlated with nigral iron accumulation in PD. Mediation analysis demonstrated that the functional connectivity between bilateral striatums was a mediator between the nigral iron accumulation and weighted functional network alterations. In conclusion, our findings reveal that iron-related nigral degeneration possibly influences the functional topology mediated by striatal dysfunction, which extends the scientific understanding of PD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Guan
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Yuyao Zhang
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Hongjiang Wei
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Tao Guo
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoling Zeng
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqiu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Xuan
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Quanquan Gu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peiyu Huang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiali Pu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Baorong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunlei Liu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Minming Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Sancandi M, Schul EV, Economides G, Constanti A, Mercer A. Structural Changes Observed in the Piriform Cortex in a Rat Model of Pre-motor Parkinson's Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:479. [PMID: 30618629 PMCID: PMC6296349 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) offers perhaps, the most promising route to a successful clinical intervention, and the use of an animal model exhibiting symptoms comparable to those observed in PD patients in the early stage of the disease, may facilitate screening of novel therapies for delaying the onset of more debilitating motor and behavioral abnormalities. In this study, a rat model of pre-motor PD was used to study the etiology of hyposmia, a non-motor symptom linked to the early stage of the disease when the motor symptoms have yet to be experienced. The study focussed on determining the effect of a partial reduction of both dopamine and noradrenaline levels on the olfactory cortex. Neuroinflammation and striking structural changes were observed in the model. These changes were prevented by treatment with a neuroprotective drug, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonist, exendin-4 (EX-4).
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39
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Pamphlett R, Bishop DP, Kum Jew S, Doble PA. Age-related accumulation of toxic metals in the human locus ceruleus. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203627. [PMID: 30231068 PMCID: PMC6145836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Damage to the locus ceruleus has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of neurological conditions. Locus ceruleus neurons accumulate toxic metals such as mercury selectively, however, the presence of toxic metals in locus ceruleus neurons of people of different ages, and with a variety of disorders, is not known. To demonstrate at what age toxic metals are first detectable in the locus ceruleus, and to evaluate whether their presence is more common in certain clinicopathological conditions, we looked for these metals in 228 locus ceruleus samples. Samples were taken at coronial autopsies from individuals with a wide range of ages, pre-existing conditions and causes of death. Paraffin sections of pons containing the locus ceruleus were stained with silver nitrate autometallography, which indicates inorganic mercury, silver and bismuth within cells (termed autometallography-detected toxic metals, or AMG™). No locus ceruleus AMG neurons were seen in 38 individuals aged under 20 years. 47% of the 190 adults (ie, aged 20 years and over) had AMG locus ceruleus neurons. The proportion of adults with locus ceruleus AMG neurons increased during aging, except for a decreased proportion in the 90-plus years age group. No differences were found in the proportions of locus ceruleus AMG neurons between groups with different neurological, psychiatric, or other clinicopathological conditions, or among various causes of death. Elemental analysis with laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was used to cross-validate the metals detected by AMG, by looking for silver, gold, bismuth, cadmium, chromium, iron, mercury, nickel, and lead in the locus ceruleus of ten individuals. This confirmed the presence of mercury in locus ceruleus samples containing AMG neurons, and showed cadmium, silver, lead, iron, and nickel in the locus ceruleus of some individuals. In conclusion, toxic metals stained by AMG (most likely inorganic mercury) appear in locus ceruleus neurons in early adult life. About half of adults in this study had locus ceruleus neurons containing inorganic mercury, and elemental analysis found a range of other toxic metals in the locus ceruleus. Locus ceruleus inorganic mercury increased during aging, except for a decrease in advanced age, but was not found more often in any single clinicopathological condition or cause of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Pamphlett
- Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David P. Bishop
- Elemental Bio-imaging Facility, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Kum Jew
- Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip A. Doble
- Elemental Bio-imaging Facility, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Leanza G, Gulino R, Zorec R. Noradrenergic Hypothesis Linking Neurodegeneration-Based Cognitive Decline and Astroglia. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:254. [PMID: 30100866 PMCID: PMC6072880 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past, manipulation of the cholinergic system was seen as the most likely therapeutic for neurodegeneration-based cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) (Whitehouse et al., 1982). However, targeting the noradrenergic system also seems a promising strategy, since more recent studies revealed that in post-mortem tissue from patients with AD and other neurodegenerative disorders there is a robust correlation between cognitive decline and loss of neurons from the Locus coeruleus (LC), a system with diffuse noradrenaline (NA) innervation in the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, the hypothesis has been considered that increasing NA signaling in the CNS will prevent, or at least halt the progression of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. A hallmark of the age- and neurodegeneration-related cognitive decline is reduced neurogenesis. We here discuss noradrenergic dysfunction in AD-related cognitive decline in humans and its potential involvement in AD pathology and disease progression. We also focus on animal models to allow the validation of the noradrenergic hypothesis of AD, including those based upon the immunotoxin-mediated ablation of LC based on saporin, a protein synthesis interfering agent, which offers selective and graded demise of LC neurons, Finally, we address how astrocytes, an abundant and functionally heterogeneous cell type of neuroglia maintaining homeostasis, may participate in the regulation of neurogenesis, a new strategy for preventing LC neuron loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampiero Leanza
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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