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Quintanilha MVT, Gobbo GDAM, Pinheiro GB, de Souza ACB, Camargo LC, Mortari MR. Evaluating a Venom-Bioinspired Peptide, NOR-1202, as an Antiepileptic Treatment in Male Mice Models. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:342. [PMID: 39195752 PMCID: PMC11359417 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16080342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by excessive neuronal activity and synchronized electrical discharges, ranks among the most prevalent global neurological conditions. Despite common use, antiepileptic drugs often result in adverse effects and lack effectiveness in controlling seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients. Recent research explored the potential of occidentalin-1202, a peptide inspired by Polybia occidentalis venom, in safeguarding Wistar rats from chemically induced seizures. The present study evaluated the new analog from occidentalin-1202 named NOR-1202 using acute and chronic pilocarpine-induced models and an acute kainic acid (KA) male mice model. NOR-1202 was administered through the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.), subcutaneous, or intraperitoneal routes, with stereotaxic procedures for the i.c.v. injection. In the acute pilocarpine-induced model, NOR-1202 (i.c.v.) protected against generalized seizures and mortality but lacked systemic antiepileptic activity. In the KA model, it did not prevent generalized seizures but improved survival. In the chronic TLE model, NOR-1202's ED50 did not differ significantly from the epileptic or healthy groups regarding time spent in spontaneous recurrent seizures during the five-day treatment. However, the NOR-1202 group exhibited more seizures than the healthy group on the second day of treatment. In summary, NOR-1202 exhibits antiepileptic effects against chemoconvulsant-induced seizures, but no effect was observed when administered systemically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Luana Cristina Camargo
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil; (M.V.T.Q.); (G.d.A.M.G.); (G.B.P.); (A.C.B.d.S.); (M.R.M.)
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Bhandare A, Haley M, Torrico Anderson V, Domingos LB, Lopes M, Corrêa SAL, Wall MJ. ArcKR expression modifies synaptic plasticity following epileptic activity: Differential effects with in vitro and in vivo seizure-induction protocols. Epilepsia 2024; 65:2152-2164. [PMID: 38804501 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17981] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pathological forms of neural activity, such as epileptic seizures, modify the expression pattern of multiple proteins, leading to persistent changes in brain function. One such protein is activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc), which is critically involved in protein-synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory. In the present study, we have investigated how the expression of ArcKR, a form of Arc in which the ubiquitination sites have been mutated, resulting in slowed Arc degradation, modifies group I metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated long-term depression (G1-mGluR-LTD) following seizures. METHODS We used a knock-in mice line that express ArcKR and two hyperexcitation models: an in vitro model, where hippocampal slices were exposed to zero Mg2+, 6 mM K+; and an in vivo model, where kainic acid was injected unilaterally into the hippocampus. In both models, field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were recorded from the CA1 region of hippocampal slices in response to Schaffer collateral stimulation and G1-mGluR-LTD was induced chemically with the group 1 mGluR agonist DHPG. RESULTS In the in vitro model, ArcKR expression enhanced the effects of seizure activity and increased the magnitude of G1-mGluR LTD, an effect that could be blocked with the mGluR5 antagonist MTEP. In the in vivo model, fEPSPs were significantly smaller in slices from ArcKR mice and were less contaminated by population spikes. In this model, the amount of G1-mGluR-LTD was significantly less in epileptic slices from ArcKR mice as compared to wildtype (WT) mice. SIGNIFICANCE We have shown that expression of ArcKR, a form of Arc in which degradation is reduced, significantly modulates the magnitude of G1-mGluR-LTD following epileptic seizures. However, the effect of ArcKR on LTD depends on the epileptic model used, with enhancement of LTD in an in vitro model and a reduction in the kainate mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol Bhandare
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Maisy Haley
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Luana B Domingos
- Bradford School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Marcia Lopes
- Bradford School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Sonia A L Corrêa
- Bradford School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Mark J Wall
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Mosca I, Freri E, Ambrosino P, Belperio G, Granata T, Canafoglia L, Ragona F, Solazzi R, Filareto I, Castellotti B, Messina G, Gellera C, DiFrancesco JC, Soldovieri MV, Taglialatela M. Case report: Marked electroclinical improvement by fluoxetine treatment in a patient with KCNT1-related drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1367838. [PMID: 38644974 PMCID: PMC11027738 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1367838] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Variants in KCNT1 are associated with a wide spectrum of epileptic phenotypes, including epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS), non-EIMFS developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, autosomal dominant or sporadic sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy, and focal epilepsy. Here, we describe a girl affected by drug-resistant focal seizures, developmental delay and behavior disorders, caused by a novel, de novo heterozygous missense KCNT1 variant (c.2809A > G, p.S937G). Functional characterization in transiently transfected Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells revealed a strong gain-of-function effect determined by the KCNT1 p.S937G variant compared to wild-type, consisting in an increased maximal current density and a hyperpolarizing shift in current activation threshold. Exposure to the antidepressant drug fluoxetine inhibited currents expressed by both wild-type and mutant KCNT1 channels. Treatment of the proband with fluoxetine led to a prolonged electroclinical amelioration, with disappearance of seizures and better EEG background organization, together with an improvement in behavior and mood. Altogether, these results suggest that, based on the proband's genetic and functional characteristics, the antidepressant drug fluoxetine may be repurposed for the treatment of focal epilepsy caused by gain-of-function variants in KCNT1. Further studies are needed to verify whether this approach could be also applied to other phenotypes of the KCNT1-related epilepsies spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Mosca
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “Vincenzo Tiberio”, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Elena Freri
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ambrosino
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Giorgio Belperio
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Tiziana Granata
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Canafoglia
- Department of Diagnostic and Technology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ragona
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Solazzi
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Filareto
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Castellotti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Messina
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Gellera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Maria Virginia Soldovieri
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “Vincenzo Tiberio”, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
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Zhao W, Yu YM, Wang XY, Xia SH, Ma Y, Tang H, Tao M, Li H, Xu Z, Yang JX, Wu P, Zhang H, Ding HL, Cao JL. CRF regulates pain sensation by enhancement of corticoaccumbal excitatory synaptic transmission. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02488-7. [PMID: 38454083 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02488-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Both peripheral and central corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) systems have been implicated in regulating pain sensation. However, compared with the peripheral, the mechanisms underlying central CRF system in pain modulation have not yet been elucidated, especially at the neural circuit level. The corticoaccumbal circuit, a structure rich in CRF receptors and CRF-positive neurons, plays an important role in behavioral responses to stressors including nociceptive stimuli. The present study was designed to investigate whether and how CRF signaling in this circuit regulated pain sensation under physiological and pathological pain conditions. Our studies employed the viral tracing and circuit-, and cell-specific electrophysiological methods to label the CRF-containing circuit from the medial prefrontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens shell (mPFCCRF-NAcS) and record its neuronal propriety. Combining optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulation, neuropharmacological methods, and behavioral tests, we were able to precisely manipulate this circuit and depict its role in regulation of pain sensation. The current study found that the CRF signaling in the NAc shell (NAcS), but not NAc core, was necessary and sufficient for the regulation of pain sensation under physiological and pathological pain conditions. This process was involved in the CRF-mediated enhancement of excitatory synaptic transmission in the NAcS. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the mPFCCRF neurons monosynaptically connected with the NAcS neurons. Chronic pain increased the protein level of CRF in NAcS, and then maintained the persistent NAcS neuronal hyperactivity through enhancement of this monosynaptic excitatory connection, and thus sustained chronic pain behavior. These findings reveal a novel cell- and circuit-based mechanistic link between chronic pain and the mPFCCRF → NAcS circuit and provide a potential new therapeutic target for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weinan Zhao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu-Mei Yu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Yi Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sun-Hui Xia
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Ma
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huimei Tang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingshu Tao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - He Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun-Xia Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxing Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hai-Lei Ding
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China.
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Zhang S, Xie S, Zheng Y, Chen Z, Xu C. Current advances in rodent drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy models: Hints from laboratory studies. Neurochem Int 2024; 174:105699. [PMID: 38382810 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) are the first choice for the treatment of epilepsy, but there is still one-third of patients with epilepsy (PWEs) who are resistant to two or more appropriately chosen ASDs, named drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), a common type of epilepsy usually associated with hippocampal sclerosis (HS), shares the highest proportion of drug resistance (approximately 70%). In view of the key role of the temporal lobe in memory, emotion, and other physiological functions, patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (DR-TLE) are often accompanied by serious complications, and surgical procedures also yield extra considerations. The exact mechanisms for the genesis of DR-TLE remain unillustrated, which makes it hard to manage patients with DR-TLE in clinical practice. Animal models of DR-TLE play an irreplaceable role in both understanding the mechanism and searching for new therapeutic strategies or drugs. In this review article, we systematically summarized different types of current DR-TLE models, and then recent advances in mechanism investigations obtained in these models were presented, especially with the development of advanced experimental techniques and tools. We are deeply encouraged that novel strategies show great therapeutic potential in those DR-TLE models. Based on the big steps reached from the bench, a new light has been shed on the precise management of DR-TLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengyang Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cenglin Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
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Qi Y, Zhang YM, Gao YN, Chen WG, Zhou T, Chang L, Zang Y, Li J. AMPK role in epilepsy: a promising therapeutic target? J Neurol 2024; 271:748-771. [PMID: 38010498 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12062-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a complex and multifaceted neurological disorder characterized by spontaneous and recurring seizures. It poses significant therapeutic challenges due to its diverse etiology and often-refractory nature. This comprehensive review highlights the pivotal role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key metabolic regulator involved in cellular energy homeostasis, which may be a promising therapeutic target for epilepsy. Current therapeutic strategies such as antiseizure medication (ASMs) can alleviate seizures (up to 70%). However, 30% of epileptic patients may develop refractory epilepsy. Due to the complicated nature of refractory epilepsy, other treatment options such as ketogenic dieting, adjunctive therapy, and in limited cases, surgical interventions are employed. These therapy options are only suitable for a select group of patients and have limitations of their own. Current treatment options for epilepsy need to be improved. Emerging evidence underscores a potential association between impaired AMPK functionality in the brain and the onset of epilepsy, prompting an in-depth examination of AMPK's influence on neural excitability and ion channel regulation, both critical factors implicated in epileptic seizures. AMPK activation through agents such as metformin has shown promising antiepileptic effects in various preclinical and clinical settings. These effects are primarily mediated through the inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway, activation of the AMPK-PI3K-c-Jun pathway, and stimulation of the PGC-1α pathway. Despite the potential of AMPK-targeted therapies, several aspects warrant further exploration, including the detailed mechanisms of AMPK's role in different brain regions, the impact of AMPK under various conditional circumstances such as neural injury and zinc toxicity, the long-term safety and efficacy of chronic metformin use in epilepsy treatment, and the potential benefits of combination therapy involving AMPK activators. Moreover, the efficacy of AMPK activators in refractory epilepsy remains an open question. This review sets the stage for further research with the aim of enhancing our understanding of the role of AMPK in epilepsy, potentially leading to the development of more effective, AMPK-targeted therapeutic strategies for this challenging and debilitating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingbei Qi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang, China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yong-Mei Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang, China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ya-Nan Gao
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen-Gang Chen
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liuliu Chang
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yi Zang
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jia Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang, China.
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Ayala-Rodríguez JD, García-Colunga J. Maternal separation modifies spontaneous synaptic activity in the infralimbic cortex of stress-resilient male rats. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294151. [PMID: 37943747 PMCID: PMC10635473 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate and GABA signaling systems are necessary to maintain proper function of the central nervous system through excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance. Alteration of this balance in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), as an effect of early-life stress, may lead to the development of anxiety and depressive disorders. Few studies exist in the infralimbic division of the mPFC to understand the effect of early-life stress at different ages, which is the purpose of the present work. Newborn Sprague Dawley male rats were subjected to maternal separation (MS) for two weeks. First, tests measuring anxiety- and depression-like behaviors were performed on adolescent and adult rats subjected to MS (MS-rats). Then, to establish a relationship with behavioral results, electrophysiological recordings were performed in neurons of the infralimbic cortex in acute brain slices of infant, adolescent, and adult rats. In the behavioral tests, there were no significant differences in MS-rats compared to control rats at any age. Moreover, MS had no effect on the passive membrane properties nor neuronal excitability in the infralimbic cortex, whereas spontaneous synaptic activity in infralimbic neurons was altered. The frequency of spontaneous glutamatergic synaptic events increased in infant MS-rats, whereas in adolescent MS-rats both the frequency and the amplitude of spontaneous GABAergic events increased without any effect on glutamatergic synaptic responses. In adult MS-rats, these two parameters decreased in spontaneous GABAergic synaptic events, whereas only the frequency of glutamatergic events decreased. These data suggest that rats subjected to MS did not exhibit behavioral changes and presented an age-dependent E/I imbalance in the infralimbic cortex, possibly due to differential changes in neurotransmitter release and/or receptor expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús David Ayala-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - Jesús García-Colunga
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
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Barhum H, McDonnell C, Alon T, Hammad R, Attrash M, Ellenbogen T, Ginzburg P. Organic Kainate Single Crystals for Second-Harmonic and Broadband THz Generation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:8590-8600. [PMID: 36729720 PMCID: PMC9940106 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c18454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Organic crystals with unique nonlinear optical properties have been attracting attention owing to their capability to outperform their conventional nonorganic counterparts. Since nonlinear material responses are linked to a crystal's internal microscopic structure, molecular engineering of maximally unharmonic quantum potentials can boost macromolecular susceptibilities. Here, large-scale kainic acid (kainate) single crystals were synthesized, and their linear and nonlinear optical properties were studied in a broad spectral range, spanning the visible to THz spectral regions. The non-centrosymmetric zwitterionic crystallization, molecular structure, and intermolecular arrangement were found to act as additive donor-acceptor domains, enhancing the efficiency of the intrinsic second-order optical nonlinearity of this pure enantiomeric crystal. Molecular simulations and experimental analysis were performed to retrieve the crystals' properties. The crystals were predicted and found to have good transparency in a broad spectral range from the UV to the infrared (0.2-20 μm). Second-harmonic generation was measured for ultrashort pumping wavelengths between 800 and 2400 nm, showing an enhanced response around 600 nm. Broadband THz generation was demonstrated with a detection limited bandwidth of >8 THz along with emission efficiencies comparable to and prevailing those of commercial ZnTe crystals. The broadband nonlinear response and high transparency make kainate crystals extremely attractive for realizing a range of nonlinear optical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Barhum
- Department
of Physical Electronics, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- The
Center for Light-Matter Interaction, Tel
Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- Triangle
Regional Research and Development Center, Kfar Qara’3007500, Israel
| | - Cormac McDonnell
- Department
of Physical Electronics, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- The
Center for Light-Matter Interaction, Tel
Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Tmiron Alon
- Department
of Physical Electronics, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- The
Center for Light-Matter Interaction, Tel
Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Raheel Hammad
- Tata
Institute of Fundamental Research, Sy No 36/P Serilingampally Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana500046, India
| | - Mohammed Attrash
- Schulich
Faculty of Chemistry, Technion - Israel
Institute of Technology, Haifa32000, Israel
| | - Tal Ellenbogen
- Department
of Physical Electronics, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- The
Center for Light-Matter Interaction, Tel
Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Pavel Ginzburg
- Department
of Physical Electronics, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- The
Center for Light-Matter Interaction, Tel
Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
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9
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Wu K, Castellano D, Tian Q, Lu W. Distinct regulation of tonic GABAergic inhibition by NMDA receptor subtypes. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109960. [PMID: 34758303 PMCID: PMC8630577 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tonic inhibition mediated by extrasynaptic GABAARs regulates various brain functions. However, the mechanisms that regulate tonic inhibition remain largely unclear. Here, we report distinct actions of GluN2A- and GluN2B-NMDA receptors (NMDARs) on tonic inhibition in hippocampal neurons under basal and high activity conditions. Specifically, overexpression of GluN2B, but not GluN2A, reduces α5-GABAAR surface expression and tonic currents. Additionally, knockout of GluN2A and GluN2B decreases and increases tonic currents, respectively. Mechanistically, GluN2A-NMDARs inhibit and GluN2B-NMDARs promote α5-GABAAR internalization, resulting in increased and decreased surface α5-GABAAR expression, respectively. Furthermore, GluN2A-NMDARs, but not GluN2B-NMDARs, are required for homeostatic potentiation of tonic inhibition induced by prolonged increase of neuronal activity. Last, tonic inhibition decreases during acute seizures, whereas it increases 24 h later, involving GluN2-NMDAR-dependent signaling. Collectively, these data reveal an NMDAR subunit-specific regulation of tonic inhibition in physiological and pathological conditions and provide mechanistic insight into activity-dependent modulation of tonic inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunwei Wu
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David Castellano
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Qingjun Tian
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wei Lu
- Synapse and Neural Circuit Research Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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10
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Trujillo V, Mir FR, Suárez MM, Vivas L. Hyperosmolarity-induced vasopressin expression and intrinsic excitability of supraoptic neurons of adult offspring are changed by early maternal separation. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 130:105282. [PMID: 34051655 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Adverse early life experiences can produce long-lasting changes in neurocircuits. The aim of this study was to investigate the programming effects of early maternal separation on the adult offspring vasopressin system. We hypothesized that subjecting adult rats to 4.5 h of daily maternal separation between postnatal days 1 - 21 will have altered hyperosmolarity-induced Avp expression and the response of supraoptic (SON) neurons to electrical and osmotic stimulation. We measured Avp mRNA and hn-RNA in the SON and in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) by quantitative PCR, and assessed the intrinsic excitability of magnocellular SON neurons as well as their osmotic responses by the patch-clamp technique. In maternally-separated rats we found that basal and osmolarity-induced Avp mRNA gene expression was upregulated in the SON, whereas osmolarity-induced Avp hn-RNA gene expression was abolished. Similarly, in the PVN of maternally-separated rats the osmolarity-induced Avp mRNA gene expression was blunted. The supraoptic neurons of separated rats also had greater excitability than those of non-separated rats. Our results indicate that early maternal separation has long-term consequences on basal and hyperosmolarity-induced Avp hypothalamic expression as well as on the intrinsic excitability of magnocellular supraoptic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Trujillo
- Cátedra de Fisiología Animal, FCEFyN, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina; Laboratorio de Balance Hidrosalino e Hipertensión. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - F R Mir
- Cátedra de Fisiología Animal, FCEFyN, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Animal, DACEFyN, Universidad Nacional de La Rioja, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M M Suárez
- Cátedra de Fisiología Animal, FCEFyN, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - L Vivas
- Cátedra de Fisiología Animal, FCEFyN, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina; Laboratorio de Balance Hidrosalino e Hipertensión. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina.
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11
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Li X, Yang C, Shi Y, Guan L, Li H, Li S, Li Y, Zhang Y, Lin J. Abnormal neuronal damage and inflammation in the hippocampus of kainic acid-induced epilepsy mice. Cell Biochem Funct 2021; 39:791-801. [PMID: 34057222 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we established a mouse model of epilepsy and analysed abnormal neuronal damage and inflammation in the hippocampus of mice with kainic acid (KA)-induced epilepsy to provide the basis for the pathogenesis of epilepsy. C57 mice, aged 4 weeks, were injected intraperitoneally in the KA group with 20 mg/kg of KA and in the sham experimental group with normal saline. The whole brain and hippocampus of mice in the sham experimental group and KA epilepsy model group were collected on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after injection. The difference in the protein expression in the hippocampus was detected using fluorescence immunohistochemistry. The hippocampal tissue was also collected and frozen to detect protein expression by western blot. The results of the haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Nissl staining showed that the mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy could be established by intraperitoneal injection of KA, and the success rate of the model was 53.8%. The expression of DCX-, β-catenin-, GFAP- and Iba-1-labelled glial cells in the KA-induced epilepsy model group were higher than those in the sham group. The results of western blotting showed that the expression of DCX and β-catenin in the KA-induced epilepsy model group was higher than that in the sham experimental group, while the expression of N-cadherin and Iba-1 on days 14 and 28 was significantly (P < .05) higher than that in the sham experimental group. In KA-induced epilepsy model group, the expression of Bcl-2 was decreased, while the expression of Bad and PUMA was increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.,Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Ciqing Yang
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yaping Shi
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lihong Guan
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Han Li
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Shuanqing Li
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yunxiao Li
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Juntang Lin
- Stem Cells & Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
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12
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Synaptic Reshaping and Neuronal Outcomes in the Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083860. [PMID: 33917911 PMCID: PMC8068229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most common types of focal epilepsy, characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures originating in the temporal lobe(s), with mesial TLE (mTLE) as the worst form of TLE, often associated with hippocampal sclerosis. Abnormal epileptiform discharges are the result, among others, of altered cell-to-cell communication in both chemical and electrical transmissions. Current knowledge about the neurobiology of TLE in human patients emerges from pathological studies of biopsy specimens isolated from the epileptogenic zone or, in a few more recent investigations, from living subjects using positron emission tomography (PET). To overcome limitations related to the use of human tissue, animal models are of great help as they allow the selection of homogeneous samples still presenting a more various scenario of the epileptic syndrome, the presence of a comparable control group, and the availability of a greater amount of tissue for in vitro/ex vivo investigations. This review provides an overview of the structural and functional alterations of synaptic connections in the brain of TLE/mTLE patients and animal models.
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13
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Medel-Matus JS, Shin D, Sankar R, Mazarati A. Diversity of kindling of limbic seizures after lateral fluid percussion injury in the rat. Epilepsia Open 2021; 6:413-418. [PMID: 34033249 PMCID: PMC8166798 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI) in rats is used to model post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), with spontaneous seizures occurring in up to ½ of the subjects. Using the kindling paradigm, we examined whether animals without detectable seizures had an altered seizure susceptibility. Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to LFPI. Seven-nine months later, spontaneous seizures were monitored for two weeks. Afterward, the animals underwent kindling of basolateral amygdala. For kindling outcomes, the animals were categorized based on the 95% confidence intervals of mean number trials to kindling (ie 3 consecutive stage 4-5 seizures). Spontaneous seizures were detected in 7 out of 24 rats. There was no correlation between the severity of LFPI and either baseline afterdischarge properties, or kindling rates. Six LFPI rats kindled at a rate comparable to those in sham-LFPI (n = 10) and in naïve (n = 7) subjects. Ten LFPI rats kindled faster and 8-slower than controls. None of slow-kindling rats had spontaneous seizures during the prekindling monitoring. During the same period, six fast-kindling and three normal-kindling rats had been seizure-free. Thus, kindling reveals a diversity to seizure susceptibility after LFPI beyond an overt seizure symptomatology, ranging from the increased susceptibility to the increased resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Don Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Raman Sankar
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrey Mazarati
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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