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Piacentini R, Grassi C. Interleukin 1β receptor and synaptic dysfunction in recurrent brain infection with Herpes simplex virus type-1. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:416-423. [PMID: 38819045 PMCID: PMC11317954 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01690] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Several experimental evidence suggests a link between brain Herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this association are not completely understood. Among the molecular mediators of synaptic and cognitive dysfunction occurring after Herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and reactivation in the brain neuroinflammatory cytokines seem to occupy a central role. Here, we specifically reviewed literature reports dealing with the impact of neuroinflammation on synaptic dysfunction observed after recurrent Herpes simplex virus type-1 reactivation in the brain, highlighting the role of interleukins and, in particular, interleukin 1β as a possible target against Herpes simplex virus type-1-induced neuronal dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Piacentini
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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2
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Martineau É, Malescot A, Elmkinssi N, Rungta RL. Distal activity patterns shape the spatial specificity of neurovascular coupling. Nat Neurosci 2024:10.1038/s41593-024-01756-7. [PMID: 39232066 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01756-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Neurovascular coupling links brain activity to local changes in blood flow, forming the basis for non-invasive brain mapping. Using multiscale imaging, we investigated how vascular activity spatially relates to neuronal activity elicited by single whiskers across different columns and layers of mouse cortex. Here we show that mesoscopic hemodynamic signals quantitatively reflect neuronal activity across space but are composed of a highly heterogeneous pattern of responses across individual vessel segments that is poorly predicted by local neuronal activity. Rather, this heterogeneity is dependent on vessel directionality, specifically in thalamocortical input layer 4, where capillaries respond preferentially to neuronal activity patterns along their downstream perfusion domain. Thus, capillaries fine-tune blood flow based on distant activity and encode laminar-specific activity patterns. These findings imply that vascular anatomy sets a resolution limit on functional imaging signals, where individual blood vessels inaccurately report neuronal activity in their immediate vicinity but, instead, integrate activity patterns along the vascular arbor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éric Martineau
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Brain and Learning (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Antoine Malescot
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Brain and Learning (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nouha Elmkinssi
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Brain and Learning (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ravi L Rungta
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Brain and Learning (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
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3
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Zhang Y, Shen X, Deng S, Chen Q, Xu B. Neural Regulation of Vascular Development: Molecular Mechanisms and Interactions. Biomolecules 2024; 14:966. [PMID: 39199354 PMCID: PMC11353022 DOI: 10.3390/biom14080966] [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: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
As a critical part of the circulatory system, blood vessels transport oxygen and nutrients to every corner of the body, nourishing each cell, and also remove waste and toxins. Defects in vascular development and function are closely associated with many diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. In the nervous system, the nervous and vascular systems are intricately connected in both development and function. First, peripheral blood vessels and nerves exhibit parallel distribution patterns. In the central nervous system (CNS), nerves and blood vessels form a complex interface known as the neurovascular unit. Second, the vascular system employs similar cellular and molecular mechanisms as the nervous system for its development. Third, the development and function of CNS vasculature are tightly regulated by CNS-specific signaling pathways and neural activity. Additionally, vascular endothelial cells within the CNS are tightly connected and interact with pericytes, astrocytes, neurons, and microglia to form the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB strictly controls material exchanges between the blood and brain, maintaining the brain's microenvironmental homeostasis, which is crucial for the normal development and function of the CNS. Here, we comprehensively summarize research on neural regulation of vascular and BBB development and propose directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xinyu Shen
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Shunze Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Qiurong Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Bing Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
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4
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Ogino T, Agetsuma M, Sawada M, Inada H, Nabekura J, Sawamoto K. Astrocytic activation increases blood flow in the adult olfactory bulb. Mol Brain 2024; 17:52. [PMID: 39107815 PMCID: PMC11301997 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01126-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Activation of astrocytes after sensory stimulation has been reported to be involved in increased blood flow in the central nervous system. In the present study, using a chemogenetic method to induce astrocyte activation in mice without sensory stimulation, we found that astrocytic activation led to increased blood flow in the olfactory bulb, suggesting that astrocyte activation is sufficient for increasing blood flow in the olfactory bulb. The technique established here will be useful for studying the mechanisms underlying sensory input-dependent blood flow increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Ogino
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Masakazu Agetsuma
- Division of Homeostatic Development, Department of Developmental Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, 444-8585, Japan
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Anagawa 4-9-1, Chiba Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Masato Sawada
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
- Division of Neural Development and Regeneration, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Inada
- Division of Homeostatic Development, Department of Developmental Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Junichi Nabekura
- Division of Homeostatic Development, Department of Developmental Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Kazunobu Sawamoto
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan.
- Division of Neural Development and Regeneration, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, 444-8585, Japan.
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5
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Tran NT, Hale N, Maung AAW, Wiersma M, Walker DW, Polglase G, Castillo-Melendez M, Wong FY. Intrauterine inflammation and postnatal intravenous dopamine alter the neurovascular unit in preterm newborn lambs. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:142. [PMID: 38807204 PMCID: PMC11134744 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03137-0] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine inflammation is considered a major cause of brain injury in preterm infants, leading to long-term neurodevelopmental deficits. A potential contributor to this brain injury is dysregulation of neurovascular coupling. We have shown that intrauterine inflammation induced by intra-amniotic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in preterm lambs, and postnatal dopamine administration, disrupts neurovascular coupling and the functional cerebral haemodynamic responses, potentially leading to impaired brain development. In this study, we aimed to characterise the structural changes of the neurovascular unit following intrauterine LPS exposure and postnatal dopamine administration in the brain of preterm lambs using cellular and molecular analyses. METHODS At 119-120 days of gestation (term = 147 days), LPS was administered into the amniotic sac in pregnant ewes. At 126-7 days of gestation, the LPS-exposed lambs were delivered, ventilated and given either a continuous intravenous infusion of dopamine at 10 µg/kg/min or isovolumetric vehicle solution for 90 min (LPS, n = 6; LPSDA, n = 6). Control preterm lambs not exposed to LPS were also administered vehicle or dopamine (CTL, n = 9; CTLDA, n = 7). Post-mortem brain tissue was collected 3-4 h after birth for immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR analysis of components of the neurovascular unit. RESULTS LPS exposure increased vascular leakage in the presence of increased vascular density and remodelling with increased astrocyte "end feet" vessel coverage, together with downregulated mRNA levels of the tight junction proteins Claudin-1 and Occludin. Dopamine administration decreased vessel density and size, decreased endothelial glucose transporter, reduced neuronal dendritic coverage, increased cell proliferation within vessel walls, and increased pericyte vascular coverage particularly within the cortical and deep grey matter. Dopamine also downregulated VEGFA and Occludin tight junction mRNA, and upregulated dopamine receptor DRD1 and oxidative protein (NOX1, SOD3) mRNA levels. Dopamine administration following LPS exposure did not exacerbate any effects induced by LPS. CONCLUSION LPS exposure and dopamine administration independently alters the neurovascular unit in the preterm brain. Alterations to the neurovascular unit may predispose the developing brain to further injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhi T Tran
- The Ritchie Centre, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nadia Hale
- The Ritchie Centre, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Manon Wiersma
- The Ritchie Centre, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David W Walker
- The Ritchie Centre, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Graeme Polglase
- The Ritchie Centre, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margie Castillo-Melendez
- The Ritchie Centre, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Flora Y Wong
- The Ritchie Centre, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
- Monash Newborn, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia.
- Monash Children's Hospital, Level 5, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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6
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Lénárt N, Cserép C, Császár E, Pósfai B, Dénes Á. Microglia-neuron-vascular interactions in ischemia. Glia 2024; 72:833-856. [PMID: 37964690 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia is a devastating condition that results in impaired blood flow in the brain leading to acute brain injury. As the most common form of stroke, occlusion of cerebral arteries leads to a characteristic sequence of pathophysiological changes in the brain tissue. The mechanisms involved, and comorbidities that determine outcome after an ischemic event appear to be highly heterogeneous. On their own, the processes leading to neuronal injury in the absence of sufficient blood supply to meet the metabolic demand of the cells are complex and manifest at different temporal and spatial scales. While the contribution of non-neuronal cells to stroke pathophysiology is increasingly recognized, recent data show that microglia, the main immune cells of the central nervous system parenchyma, play previously unrecognized roles in basic physiological processes beyond their inflammatory functions, which markedly change during ischemic conditions. In this review, we aim to discuss some of the known microglia-neuron-vascular interactions assumed to contribute to the acute and delayed pathologies after cerebral ischemia. Because the mechanisms of neuronal injury have been extensively discussed in several excellent previous reviews, here we focus on some recently explored pathways that may directly or indirectly shape neuronal injury through microglia-related actions. These discoveries suggest that modulating gliovascular processes in different forms of stroke and other neurological disorders might have presently unexplored therapeutic potential in combination with neuroprotective and flow restoration strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolett Lénárt
- Momentum Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Cserép
- Momentum Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Császár
- Momentum Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Pósfai
- Momentum Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Dénes
- Momentum Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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7
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Syvänen V, Koistinaho J, Lehtonen Š. Identification of the abnormalities in astrocytic functions as potential drug targets for neurodegenerative disease. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:603-616. [PMID: 38409817 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2322988] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Historically, astrocytes were seen primarily as a supportive cell population within the brain; with neurodegenerative disease research focusing exclusively on malfunctioning neurons. However, astrocytes perform numerous tasks that are essential for maintenance of the central nervous system`s complex processes. Disruption of these functions can have negative consequences; hence, it is unsurprising to observe a growing amount of evidence for the essential role of astrocytes in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting astrocytic functions may serve as a potential disease-modifying drug therapy in the future. AREAS COVERED The present review emphasizes the key astrocytic functions associated with neurodegenerative diseases and explores the possibility of pharmaceutical interventions to modify these processes. In addition, the authors provide an overview of current advancement in this field by including studies of possible drug candidates. EXPERT OPINION Glial research has experienced a significant renaissance in the last quarter-century. Understanding how disease pathologies modify or are caused by astrocyte functions is crucial when developing treatments for brain diseases. Future research will focus on building advanced models that can more precisely correlate to the state in the human brain, with the goal of routinely testing therapies in these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valtteri Syvänen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, and Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Šárka Lehtonen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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8
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Zhang JM, Masvidal-Codina E, Nguyen D, Illa X, Dégardin J, Goulet R, Prats-Alfonso E, Matsoukis S, Guger C, Garrido JA, Picaud S, Guimerà-Brunet A, Wykes RC. Concurrent functional ultrasound imaging with graphene-based DC-coupled electrophysiology as a platform to study slow brain signals and cerebral blood flow under control and pathophysiological brain states. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2024; 9:544-554. [PMID: 38323517 DOI: 10.1039/d3nh00521f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Current methodology used to investigate how shifts in brain states associated with regional cerebral blood volume (CBV) change in deep brain areas, are limited by either the spatiotemporal resolution of the CBV techniques, and/or compatibility with electrophysiological recordings; particularly in relation to spontaneous brain activity and the study of individual events. Additionally, infraslow brain signals (<0.1 Hz), including spreading depolarisations, DC-shifts and infraslow oscillations (ISO), are poorly captured by traditional AC-coupled electrographic recordings; yet these very slow brain signals can profoundly change CBV. To gain an improved understanding of how infraslow brain signals couple to CBV we present a new method for concurrent CBV with wide bandwidth electrophysiological mapping using simultaneous functional ultrasound imaging (fUS) and graphene-based field effect transistor (gFET) DC-coupled electrophysiological acquisitions. To validate the feasibility of this methodology visually-evoked neurovascular coupling (NVC) responses were examined. gFET recordings are not affected by concurrent fUS imaging, and epidural placement of gFET arrays within the imaging window did not deteriorate fUS signal quality. To examine directly the impact of infra-slow potential shifts on CBV, cortical spreading depolarisations (CSDs) were induced. A biphasic pattern of decreased, followed by increased CBV, propagating throughout the ipsilateral cortex, and a delayed decrease in deeper subcortical brain regions was observed. In a model of acute seizures, CBV oscillations were observed prior to seizure initiation. Individual seizures occurred on the rising phase of both infraslow brain signal and CBV oscillations. When seizures co-occurred with CSDs, CBV responses were larger in amplitude, with delayed CBV decreases in subcortical structures. Overall, our data demonstrate that gFETs are highly compatible with fUS and allow concurrent examination of wide bandwidth electrophysiology and CBV. This graphene-enabled technological advance has the potential to improve our understanding of how infraslow brain signals relate to CBV changes in control and pathological brain states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Meng Zhang
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institute de la Vision, Paris F75012, France
| | - Eduard Masvidal-Codina
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Diep Nguyen
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institute de la Vision, Paris F75012, France
| | - Xavi Illa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain.
- Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona, (IMB-CNM), CSIC, Spain
| | - Julie Dégardin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institute de la Vision, Paris F75012, France
| | - Ruben Goulet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institute de la Vision, Paris F75012, France
| | - Elisabet Prats-Alfonso
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain.
- Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona, (IMB-CNM), CSIC, Spain
| | - Stratis Matsoukis
- G-Tec Medical Engineering GmbH, Austria
- Institute for Computational Perception, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Jose Antonio Garrido
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Serge Picaud
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institute de la Vision, Paris F75012, France
| | - Anton Guimerà-Brunet
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain.
- Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona, (IMB-CNM), CSIC, Spain
| | - Rob C Wykes
- University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
- Nanomedicine Lab, Division of Neuroscience, University of Manchester, UK
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Barros CDS, Coutinho A, Tengan CH. Arginine Supplementation in MELAS Syndrome: What Do We Know about the Mechanisms? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3629. [PMID: 38612442 PMCID: PMC11011289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073629] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
MELAS syndrome, characterized by mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes, represents a devastating mitochondrial disease, with the stroke-like episodes being its primary manifestation. Arginine supplementation has been used and recommended as a treatment for these acute attacks; however, insufficient evidence exists to support this treatment for MELAS. The mechanisms underlying the effect of arginine on MELAS pathophysiology remain unclear, although it is hypothesized that arginine could increase nitric oxide availability and, consequently, enhance blood supply to the brain. A more comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms is necessary to improve treatment strategies, such as dose and regimen adjustments; identify which patients could benefit the most; and establish potential markers for follow-up. This review aims to analyze the existing evidence concerning the mechanisms through which arginine supplementation impacts MELAS pathophysiology and provide the current scenario and perspectives for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Celia H. Tengan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (C.D.S.B.); (A.C.)
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10
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Rowsthorn E, Pham W, Nazem-Zadeh MR, Law M, Pase MP, Harding IH. Imaging the neurovascular unit in health and neurodegeneration: a scoping review of interdependencies between MRI measures. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:97. [PMID: 38129925 PMCID: PMC10734164 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00499-0] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a complex structure that facilitates nutrient delivery and metabolic waste clearance, forms the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and supports fluid homeostasis in the brain. The integrity of NVU subcomponents can be measured in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including quantification of enlarged perivascular spaces (ePVS), BBB permeability, cerebral perfusion and extracellular free water. The breakdown of NVU subparts is individually associated with aging, pathology, and cognition. However, how these subcomponents interact as a system, and how interdependencies are impacted by pathology remains unclear. This systematic scoping review identified 26 studies that investigated the inter-relationships between multiple subcomponents of the NVU in nonclinical and neurodegenerative populations using MRI. A further 112 studies investigated associations between the NVU and white matter hyperintensities (WMH). We identify two putative clusters of NVU interdependencies: a 'vascular' cluster comprising BBB permeability, perfusion and basal ganglia ePVS; and a 'fluid' cluster comprising ePVS, free water and WMH. Emerging evidence suggests that subcomponent coupling within these clusters may be differentially related to aging, neurovascular injury or neurodegenerative pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Rowsthorn
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health & School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - William Pham
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Mohammad-Reza Nazem-Zadeh
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Meng Law
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Radiology, Alfred Health, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Monash University, 14 Alliance Lane, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Matthew P Pase
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health & School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ian H Harding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, 762-772 Blackburn Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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11
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Wong LJ, Lee BWL, Sng YJ, Poh L, Rajeev V, Selvaraji S, Drummond GR, Sobey CG, Arumugam TV, Fann DY. Inflammasome Activation Mediates Apoptotic and Pyroptotic Death in Astrocytes Under Ischemic Conditions. Neuromolecular Med 2023; 25:533-544. [PMID: 37646911 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-023-08753-2] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a hallmark mechanism of ischemic stroke-induced brain injury. Recent studies have shown that an intracellular multimeric protein complex known as an inflammasome is a key factor for inducing an inflammatory response, and apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death in ischemic stroke. Inflammasome assembly leads to the activation of pro-inflammatory caspases, and the maturation and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. While the role of inflammasomes in ischemic stroke-induced neuronal death, and microglial activation and cell death have been established, little is known about the role of inflammasomes in astrocytes under ischemic conditions. In this study, we investigated the expression and activation of inflammasome components in protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes under ischemic conditions. We found that both protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes expressed a differential increase in inflammasome protein components, and that their activation promoted maturation of IL-1β and IL-18, and secretion of IL-1β, as well as initiating apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death. Pharmacological inhibition of caspase-1 decreased expression of cleaved caspase-1 and production of mature IL-1β, and protected against inflammasome-mediated apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the role of inflammasome signaling in astrocytes under ischemic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lap Jack Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bernice Woon Li Lee
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi Jing Sng
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Luting Poh
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vismitha Rajeev
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sharmelee Selvaraji
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Grant R Drummond
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research and Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher G Sobey
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research and Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Thiruma V Arumugam
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research and Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
| | - David Y Fann
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme (HLTRP), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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12
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Lavekar SS, Patel MD, Montalvo-Parra MD, Krencik R. Asteroid impact: the potential of astrocytes to modulate human neural networks within organoids. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1305921. [PMID: 38075269 PMCID: PMC10702564 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1305921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are a vital cellular component of the central nervous system that impact neuronal function in both healthy and pathological states. This includes intercellular signals to neurons and non-neuronal cells during development, maturation, and aging that can modulate neural network formation, plasticity, and maintenance. Recently, human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural aggregate cultures, known as neurospheres or organoids, have emerged as improved experimental platforms for basic and pre-clinical neuroscience compared to traditional approaches. Here, we summarize the potential capability of using organoids to further understand the mechanistic role of astrocytes upon neural networks, including the production of extracellular matrix components and reactive signaling cues. Additionally, we discuss the application of organoid models to investigate the astrocyte-dependent aspects of neuropathological diseases and to test astrocyte-inspired technologies. We examine the shortcomings of organoid-based experimental platforms and plausible improvements made possible by cutting-edge neuroengineering technologies. These advancements are expected to enable the development of improved diagnostic strategies and high-throughput translational applications regarding neuroregeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - R. Krencik
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
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13
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Ankul SS, Chandran L, Anuragh S, Kaliappan I, Rushendran R, Vellapandian C. A systematic review of the neuropathology and memory decline induced by monosodium glutamate in the Alzheimer's disease-like animal model. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1283440. [PMID: 37942488 PMCID: PMC10627830 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1283440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This systematic review analyzes monosodium glutamate (MSG) in the Alzheimer's disease-like condition to enhance translational research. Our review seeks to understand how MSG affects the brain and causes degenerative disorders. Due to significant preclinical data linking glutamate toxicity to Alzheimer's disease and the lack of a comprehensive review or meta-analysis, we initiated a study on MSG's potential link. We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, DOAJ, and Scopus for animal research and English language papers without time constraints. This study used the PRISMA-P framework and PICO technique to collect population, intervention or exposure, comparison, and result data. It was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42022371502. MSG affected mice's exploratory behaviors and short-term working memory. The brain, hippocampus, and cerebellar tissue demonstrated neuronal injury-related histological and histomorphometric changes. A total of 70% of MSG-treated mice had poor nesting behavior. The treated mice also had more hyperphosphorylated tau protein in their cortical and hippocampus neurons. Glutamate and glutamine levels in the brain increased with MSG, and dose-dependent mixed horizontal locomotor, grooming, and anxiety responses reduced. MSG treatment significantly decreased phospho-CREB protein levels, supporting the idea that neurons were harmed, despite the increased CREB mRNA expression. High MSG doses drastically lower brain tissue and serum serotonin levels. In conclusion, MSG showed AD-like pathology, neuronal atrophy, and short-term memory impairment. Further research with a longer time span and deeper behavioral characterization is needed. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier [CRD42022371502].
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Affiliation(s)
- Singh S. Ankul
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Lakshmi Chandran
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRMIST, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Singh Anuragh
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ilango Kaliappan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rapuru Rushendran
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Chitra Vellapandian
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
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14
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Lia A, Di Spiezio A, Vitalini L, Tore M, Puja G, Losi G. Ion Channels and Ionotropic Receptors in Astrocytes: Physiological Functions and Alterations in Alzheimer's Disease and Glioblastoma. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2038. [PMID: 37895420 PMCID: PMC10608464 DOI: 10.3390/life13102038] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The human brain is composed of nearly one hundred billion neurons and an equal number of glial cells, including macroglia, i.e., astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain. In the last few decades, compelling evidence has revealed that glial cells are far more active and complex than previously thought. In particular, astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell population, not only take part in brain development, metabolism, and defense against pathogens and insults, but they also affect sensory, motor, and cognitive functions by constantly modulating synaptic activity. Not surprisingly, astrocytes are actively involved in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and other neurological disorders like brain tumors, in which they rapidly become reactive and mediate neuroinflammation. Reactive astrocytes acquire or lose specific functions that differently modulate disease progression and symptoms, including cognitive impairments. Astrocytes express several types of ion channels, including K+, Na+, and Ca2+ channels, transient receptor potential channels (TRP), aquaporins, mechanoreceptors, and anion channels, whose properties and functions are only partially understood, particularly in small processes that contact synapses. In addition, astrocytes express ionotropic receptors for several neurotransmitters. Here, we provide an extensive and up-to-date review of the roles of ion channels and ionotropic receptors in astrocyte physiology and pathology. As examples of two different brain pathologies, we focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most diffuse neurodegenerative disorders, and glioblastoma (GBM), the most common brain tumor. Understanding how ion channels and ionotropic receptors in astrocytes participate in NDs and tumors is necessary for developing new therapeutic tools for these increasingly common neurological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Lia
- Department Biomedical Science, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.S.)
| | - Alessandro Di Spiezio
- Department Biomedical Science, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.S.)
- Neuroscience Institute (CNR-IN), Padova Section, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Vitalini
- Department Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Manuela Tore
- Institute of Nanoscience (CNR-NANO), Modena Section, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Department Biomedical Science, Metabolic and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Puja
- Department Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Gabriele Losi
- Institute of Nanoscience (CNR-NANO), Modena Section, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Department Biomedical Science, Metabolic and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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15
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Brazhe A, Verisokin A, Verveyko D, Postnov D. Astrocytes: new evidence, new models, new roles. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:1303-1333. [PMID: 37975000 PMCID: PMC10643736 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01145-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have been in the limelight of active research for about 3 decades now. Over this period, ideas about their function and role in the nervous system have evolved from simple assistance in energy supply and homeostasis maintenance to a complex informational and metabolic hub that integrates data on local neuronal activity, sensory and arousal context, and orchestrates many crucial processes in the brain. Rapid progress in experimental techniques and data analysis produces a growing body of data, which can be used as a foundation for formulation of new hypotheses, building new refined mathematical models, and ultimately should lead to a new level of understanding of the contribution of astrocytes to the cognitive tasks performed by the brain. Here, we highlight recent progress in astrocyte research, which we believe expands our understanding of how low-level signaling at a cellular level builds up to processes at the level of the whole brain and animal behavior. We start our review with revisiting data on the role of noradrenaline-mediated astrocytic signaling in locomotion, arousal, sensory integration, memory, and sleep. We then briefly review astrocyte contribution to the regulation of cerebral blood flow regulation, which is followed by a discussion of biophysical mechanisms underlying astrocyte effects on different brain processes. The experimental section is closed by an overview of recent experimental techniques available for modulation and visualization of astrocyte dynamics. We then evaluate how the new data can be potentially incorporated into the new mathematical models or where and how it already has been done. Finally, we discuss an interesting prospect that astrocytes may be key players in important processes such as the switching between sleep and wakefulness and the removal of toxic metabolites from the brain milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Brazhe
- Department of Biophysics, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1/24, Moscow, 119234 Russia
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, GSP-7, Miklukho-Maklay Str., 16/10, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - Andrey Verisokin
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Kursk State University, Radishcheva st., 33, Kursk, 305000 Russia
| | - Darya Verveyko
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Kursk State University, Radishcheva st., 33, Kursk, 305000 Russia
| | - Dmitry Postnov
- Department of Optics and Biophotonics, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya st., 83, Saratov, 410012 Russia
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16
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Ozawa K, Nagao M, Konno A, Iwai Y, Vittani M, Kusk P, Mishima T, Hirai H, Nedergaard M, Hirase H. Astrocytic GPCR-Induced Ca 2+ Signaling Is Not Causally Related to Local Cerebral Blood Flow Changes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13590. [PMID: 37686396 PMCID: PMC10487464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of Gq-type G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) gives rise to large cytosolic Ca2+ elevations in astrocytes. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that astrocytic Ca2+ elevations are closely associated with diameter changes in the nearby blood vessels, which astrocytes enwrap with their endfeet. However, the causal relationship between astrocytic Ca2+ elevations and blood vessel diameter changes has been questioned, as mice with diminished astrocytic Ca2+ signaling show normal sensory hyperemia. We addressed this controversy by imaging cortical vasculature while optogenetically elevating astrocyte Ca2+ in a novel transgenic mouse line, expressing Opto-Gq-type GPCR Optoα1AR (Astro-Optoα1AR) in astrocytes. Blue light illumination on the surface of the somatosensory cortex induced Ca2+ elevations in cortical astrocytes and their endfeet in mice under anesthesia. Blood vessel diameter did not change significantly with Optoα1AR-induced Ca2+ elevations in astrocytes, while it was increased by forelimb stimulation. Next, we labeled blood plasma with red fluorescence using AAV8-P3-Alb-mScarlet in Astro-Optoα1AR mice. We were able to identify arterioles that display diameter changes in superficial areas of the somatosensory cortex through the thinned skull. Photo-stimulation of astrocytes in the cortical area did not result in noticeable changes in the arteriole diameters compared with their background strain C57BL/6. Together, compelling evidence for astrocytic Gq pathway-induced vasodiameter changes was not observed. Our results support the notion that short-term (<10 s) hyperemia is not mediated by GPCR-induced astrocytic Ca2+ signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuya Ozawa
- Laboratory for Neuron-Glia Circuitry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako 351-0106, Saitama, Japan; (K.O.)
| | - Masaki Nagao
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1172 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ayumu Konno
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
- Viral Vector Core, Gunma University, Initiative for Advanced Research, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
| | - Youichi Iwai
- Laboratory for Neuron-Glia Circuitry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako 351-0106, Saitama, Japan; (K.O.)
| | - Marta Vittani
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1172 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Kusk
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1172 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tsuneko Mishima
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1172 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
- Viral Vector Core, Gunma University, Initiative for Advanced Research, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1172 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Hajime Hirase
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1172 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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