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Ikeda A, Usami K, Danno D, Takeshima T, Tatsuoka Y. [Epileptic seizure and migraine attack: A revisit from the "Borderland of Epilepsy" to clinical implementation of infraslow activity/DC shifts in scalp EEG]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2024; 64:383-389. [PMID: 38811205 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001948] [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] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Migraine attacks, especially ones with aura, have symptoms similar to epileptic seizures, and the two may sometimes be difficult to differentiate clinically. However, the characteristic minute-by-minute symptom development and progress within 60 min is useful for diagnosis. Although the details of its pathophysiology remain unsolved, cortical spreading depolarization (CSD) is one of the main pathogenetic factors. In epilepsy, clinical data have shown that ictal DC shifts could reflect impaired homeostasis of extracellular potassium by astrocyte dysfunction. Ictal DC shifts were found to be difficult to detect by scalp EEG, but can be clinically recorded from the seizure focus using wide-band EEG method. The similarity between DC shifts and CSD has been gaining attention from the neurophysiology point of view. The clinical implementation of infraslow activity/DC shifts analysis of scalp EEG is expected to elucidate further the pathophysiology of migraine, which may lie in the borderland of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akio Ikeda
- Department of Epilepsy, Movement Disorders and Physiology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Kiyohide Usami
- Department of Epilepsy, Movement Disorders and Physiology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kyoto University Hospital
| | - Daisuke Danno
- Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Tominaga Hospital
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Kanazawa K, Kajikawa S, Matsumoto R, Takatani M, Nakatani M, Daifu-Kobayashi M, Imamura H, Kunieda T, Miyamoto S, Takahashi R, Matsuhashi M, Ikeda A. Ictal Direct Current Shifts Preceded Much Earlier Than High Frequency Oscillations After Status: Is It the Effect of Status or Antiseizure Medication? J Clin Neurophysiol 2024:00004691-990000000-00130. [PMID: 38687304 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000001087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE While spikes and sharp waves are considered as markers of epilepsy in conventional electroencephalography, ictal direct current (DC) shifts and high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) appear to be useful biomarkers for epileptogenicity. We analyzed how ictal DC shifts and HFOs were affected by focal status epilepticus and antiseizure medications (ASMs). METHODS A 20-year-old female patient who underwent long-term intracranial electrode implantation for epilepsy surgery presented with 72 habitual seizures and a focal status epilepticus episode lasting for 4 h. Ten, 3, and 10 consecutive habitual seizures were analyzed before the status, after the status, and after ASM (valproate) loading, respectively. RESULTS Before and immediately after the status, ictal DC shifts remained the same in terms of the amplitude, duration, and slope of DC shifts. High-frequency oscillations also remained the same in terms of the duration, frequency, and power except for the power of the lower frequency band. After ASM loading, the duration, amplitude, and slope of the ictal DC shift were significantly attenuated. The duration, frequency, and power of the HFOs were significantly attenuated. Furthermore, the interval between the DC onset and HFO onset was significantly longer and the interval between the HFO onset and ictal DC shift peak was significantly shorter. CONCLUSIONS The attenuation of ictal DC shifts and HFOs after ASM loading implies that astrocyte and neuronal activity may be both attenuated by ASMs. This finding may help with our understanding of the pathophysiology of epilepsy and can aid with the discovery of new approaches for epilepsy management.
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Grants
- 15H05874 The Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 19H03574 The Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 20K21573 The Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 26293209 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- 26462223 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- 15H05875 The Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 26330175 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- 4-5 National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Riki Matsumoto
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Division of Neurology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Miwa Takatani
- Department of Neurology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Susumu Miyamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; and
| | | | - Masao Matsuhashi
- Department of Epilepsy, Movement Disorders and Physiology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akio Ikeda
- Department of Epilepsy, Movement Disorders and Physiology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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3
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Timechko EE, Yakimov AM, Paramonova AI, Usoltseva AA, Utyashev NP, Ivin NO, Utyasheva AA, Yakunina AV, Kalinin VA, Dmitrenko DV. Mass Spectrometry as a Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Tool for the Search for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Biomarkers: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11130. [PMID: 37446307 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311130] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of epilepsy in adults. Tissue reorganization at the site of the epileptogenic focus is accompanied by changes in the expression patterns of protein molecules. The study of mRNA and its corresponding proteins is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. Protein expression profiles do not always directly correlate with the levels of their transcripts; therefore, it is protein profiling that is no less important for understanding the molecular mechanisms and biological processes of TLE. The study and annotation of proteins that are statistically significantly different in patients with TLE is an approach to search for biomarkers of this disease, various stages of its development, as well as a method for searching for specific targets for the development of a further therapeutic strategy. When writing a systematic review, the following aggregators of scientific journals were used: MDPI, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer, and Web of Science. Scientific articles were searched using the following keywords: "proteomic", "mass-spectrometry", "protein expression", "temporal lobe epilepsy", and "biomarkers". Publications from 2003 to the present have been analyzed. Studies of brain tissues, experimental models of epilepsy, as well as biological fluids, were analyzed. For each of the groups, aberrantly expressed proteins found in various studies were isolated. Most of the studies omitted important characteristics of the studied patients, such as: duration of illness, type and response to therapy, gender, etc. Proteins that overlap across different tissue types and different studies have been highlighted: DPYSL, SYT1, STMN1, APOE, NME1, and others. The most common biological processes for them were the positive regulation of neurofibrillary tangle assembly, the regulation of amyloid fibril formation, lipoprotein catabolic process, the positive regulation of vesicle fusion, the positive regulation of oxidative stress-induced intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway, removal of superoxide radicals, axon extension, and the regulation of actin filament depolymerization. MS-based proteomic profiling for a relevant study must accept a number of limitations, the most important of which is the need to compare different types of neurological and, in particular, epileptic disorders. Such a criterion could increase the specificity of the search work and, in the future, lead to the discovery of biomarkers for a particular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena E Timechko
- Department of Medical Genetics and Clinical Neurophysiology of Postgraduate Education, V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Alexey M Yakimov
- Department of Medical Genetics and Clinical Neurophysiology of Postgraduate Education, V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Anastasia I Paramonova
- Department of Medical Genetics and Clinical Neurophysiology of Postgraduate Education, V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Anna A Usoltseva
- Department of Medical Genetics and Clinical Neurophysiology of Postgraduate Education, V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Nikita P Utyashev
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "National Medical and Surgical Center Named after N.I. Pirogov", 105203 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikita O Ivin
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "National Medical and Surgical Center Named after N.I. Pirogov", 105203 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A Utyasheva
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "National Medical and Surgical Center Named after N.I. Pirogov", 105203 Moscow, Russia
| | - Albina V Yakunina
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Postgraduate Education, Samara State Medical University, 443079 Samara, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Kalinin
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Postgraduate Education, Samara State Medical University, 443079 Samara, Russia
| | - Diana V Dmitrenko
- Department of Medical Genetics and Clinical Neurophysiology of Postgraduate Education, V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
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Kuroda T, Matsuda N, Ishibashi Y, Suzuki I. Detection of astrocytic slow oscillatory activity and response to seizurogenic compounds using planar microelectrode array. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1050150. [PMID: 36703996 PMCID: PMC9872017 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1050150] [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: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the development of the planar microelectrode array (MEA), it has become popular to evaluate compounds based on the electrical activity of rodent and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons. However, there are no reports recording spontaneous human astrocyte activity from astrocyte-only culture sample by MEA. It is becoming clear that astrocytes play an important role in various neurological diseases, and astrocytes are expected to be excellent candidates for targeted therapeutics for the treatment of neurological diseases. Therefore, measuring astrocyte activity is very important for drug development for astrocytes. Recently, astrocyte activity has been found to be reflected in the low-frequency band < 1 Hz, which is much lower than the frequency band for recording neural activity. Here, we separated the signals obtained from human primary astrocytes cultured on MEA into seven frequency bands and successfully recorded the extracellular electrical activity of human astrocytes. The slow waveforms of spontaneous astrocyte activity were observed most clearly in direct current potentials < 1 Hz. We established nine parameters to assess astrocyte activity and evaluated five seizurogenic drug responses in human primary astrocytes and human iPSC-derived astrocytes. Astrocytes demonstrated the most significant dose-dependent changes in pilocarpine. Furthermore, in a principal component analysis using those parameter sets, the drug responses to each seizurogenic compound were separated. In this paper, we report the spontaneous electrical activity measurement of astrocytes alone using MEA for the first time and propose that the MEA measurement focusing on the low-frequency band could be useful as one of the methods to assess drug response in vitro.
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Mulkey DK, Milla BM. Perspectives on the basis of seizure-induced respiratory dysfunction. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:1033756. [PMID: 36605420 PMCID: PMC9807672 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.1033756] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is an umbrella term used to define a wide variety of seizure disorders and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in epilepsy. Although some SUDEP risk factors have been identified, it remains largely unpredictable, and underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Most seizures start in the cortex, but the high mortality rate associated with certain types of epilepsy indicates brainstem involvement. Therefore, to help understand SUDEP we discuss mechanisms by which seizure activity propagates to the brainstem. Specifically, we highlight clinical and pre-clinical evidence suggesting how seizure activation of: (i) descending inhibitory drive or (ii) spreading depolarization might contribute to brainstem dysfunction. Furthermore, since epilepsy is a highly heterogenous disorder, we also considered factors expected to favor or oppose mechanisms of seizure propagation. We also consider whether epilepsy-associated genetic variants directly impact brainstem function. Because respiratory failure is a leading cause of SUDEP, our discussion of brainstem dysfunction focuses on respiratory control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K. Mulkey
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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Proskurina EY, Zaitsev AV. Regulation of Potassium and Chloride Concentrations in Nervous Tissue as a Method of Anticonvulsant Therapy. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093022050015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Under some pathological conditions, such as pharmacoresistant
epilepsy, status epilepticus or certain forms of genetic abnormalities,
spiking activity of GABAergic interneurons may enhance excitation
processes in neuronal circuits and provoke the generation of ictal
discharges. As a result, anticonvulsants acting on the GABAergic
system may be ineffective or even increase seizure activity. This
paradoxical effect of the inhibitory system is due to ionic imbalances
in nervous tissue. This review addresses the mechanisms of ictal
discharge initiation in neuronal networks due to the imbalance of
chloride and potassium ions, as well as possible ways to regulate
ionic concentrations. Both the enhancement (or attenuation) of the
activity of certain neuronal ion transporters and ion pumps and
their additional expression via gene therapy can be effective in
suppressing seizure activity caused by ionic imbalances. The Na+–K+-pump,
NKCC1 and KCC2 cotransporters are important for maintaining proper
K+ and Cl– concentrations
in nervous tissue, having been repeatedly considered as pharmacological
targets for antiepileptic exposures. Further progress in this direction
is hampered by the lack of sufficiently selective pharmacological
tools and methods for providing effective drug delivery to the epileptic
focus. The use of the gene therapy techniques, such as overexpressing
of the KCC2 transporter in the epileptic focus, seems to be a more promising
approach. Another possible direction could be the use of optogenetic
tools, namely specially designed light-activated ion pumps or ion
channels. In this case, photon energy can be used to create the
required gradients of chloride and potassium ions, although these
methods also have significant limitations which complicate their
rapid introduction into medicine.
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7
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Hills KE, Kostarelos K, Wykes RC. Converging Mechanisms of Epileptogenesis and Their Insight in Glioblastoma. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:903115. [PMID: 35832394 PMCID: PMC9271928 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.903115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and advanced form of primary malignant tumor occurring in the adult central nervous system, and it is frequently associated with epilepsy, a debilitating comorbidity. Seizures are observed both pre- and post-surgical resection, indicating that several pathophysiological mechanisms are shared but also prompting questions about how the process of epileptogenesis evolves throughout GBM progression. Molecular mutations commonly seen in primary GBM, i.e., in PTEN and p53, and their associated downstream effects are known to influence seizure likelihood. Similarly, various intratumoral mechanisms, such as GBM-induced blood-brain barrier breakdown and glioma-immune cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment are also cited as contributing to network hyperexcitability. Substantial alterations to peri-tumoral glutamate and chloride transporter expressions, as well as widespread dysregulation of GABAergic signaling are known to confer increased epileptogenicity and excitotoxicity. The abnormal characteristics of GBM alter neuronal network function to result in metabolically vulnerable and hyperexcitable peri-tumoral tissue, properties the tumor then exploits to favor its own growth even post-resection. It is evident that there is a complex, dynamic interplay between GBM and epilepsy that promotes the progression of both pathologies. This interaction is only more complicated by the concomitant presence of spreading depolarization (SD). The spontaneous, high-frequency nature of GBM-associated epileptiform activity and SD-associated direct current (DC) shifts require technologies capable of recording brain signals over a wide bandwidth, presenting major challenges for comprehensive electrophysiological investigations. This review will initially provide a detailed examination of the underlying mechanisms that promote network hyperexcitability in GBM. We will then discuss how an investigation of these pathologies from a network level, and utilization of novel electrophysiological tools, will yield a more-effective, clinically-relevant understanding of GBM-related epileptogenesis. Further to this, we will evaluate the clinical relevance of current preclinical research and consider how future therapeutic advancements may impact the bidirectional relationship between GBM, SDs, and seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E. Hills
- Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kostas Kostarelos
- Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Catalan Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), Edifici ICN2, Campus UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert C. Wykes
- Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Robert C. Wykes
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8
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Ohno Y, Kunisawa N, Shimizu S. Emerging Roles of Astrocyte Kir4.1 Channels in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Brain Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910236. [PMID: 34638578 PMCID: PMC8508600 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inwardly rectifying Kir4.1 channels in astrocytes mediate spatial potassium (K+) buffering, a clearance mechanism for excessive extracellular K+, in tripartite synapses. In addition to K+ homeostasis, astrocytic Kir4.1 channels also play an essential role in regulating extracellular glutamate levels via coupling with glutamate transporters. Moreover, Kir4.1 channels act as novel modulators of the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in astrocytes. Specifically, inhibition of astrocytic Kir4.1 channels elevates extracellular K+ and glutamate levels at synapses and facilitates BDNF expression in astrocytes. These changes elevate neural excitability, which may facilitate synaptic plasticity and connectivity. In this article, we summarize the functions and pharmacological features of Kir4.1 channels in astrocytes and highlight the importance of these channels in the treatment of brain diseases. Although further validation in animal models and human patients is required, astrocytic Kir4.1 channel could potentially serve as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of depressive disorders and epilepsy.
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9
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Gobbo D, Scheller A, Kirchhoff F. From Physiology to Pathology of Cortico-Thalamo-Cortical Oscillations: Astroglia as a Target for Further Research. Front Neurol 2021; 12:661408. [PMID: 34177766 PMCID: PMC8219957 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.661408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The electrographic hallmark of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) and other idiopathic forms of epilepsy are 2.5-4 Hz spike and wave discharges (SWDs) originating from abnormal electrical oscillations of the cortico-thalamo-cortical network. SWDs are generally associated with sudden and brief non-convulsive epileptic events mostly generating impairment of consciousness and correlating with attention and learning as well as cognitive deficits. To date, SWDs are known to arise from locally restricted imbalances of excitation and inhibition in the deep layers of the primary somatosensory cortex. SWDs propagate to the mostly GABAergic nucleus reticularis thalami (NRT) and the somatosensory thalamic nuclei that project back to the cortex, leading to the typical generalized spike and wave oscillations. Given their shared anatomical basis, SWDs have been originally considered the pathological transition of 11-16 Hz bursts of neural oscillatory activity (the so-called sleep spindles) occurring during Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, but more recent research revealed fundamental functional differences between sleep spindles and SWDs, suggesting the latter could be more closely related to the slow (<1 Hz) oscillations alternating active (Up) and silent (Down) cortical activity and concomitantly occurring during NREM. Indeed, several lines of evidence support the fact that SWDs impair sleep architecture as well as sleep/wake cycles and sleep pressure, which, in turn, affect seizure circadian frequency and distribution. Given the accumulating evidence on the role of astroglia in the field of epilepsy in the modulation of excitation and inhibition in the brain as well as on the development of aberrant synchronous network activity, we aim at pointing at putative contributions of astrocytes to the physiology of slow-wave sleep and to the pathology of SWDs. Particularly, we will address the astroglial functions known to be involved in the control of network excitability and synchronicity and so far mainly addressed in the context of convulsive seizures, namely (i) interstitial fluid homeostasis, (ii) K+ clearance and neurotransmitter uptake from the extracellular space and the synaptic cleft, (iii) gap junction mechanical and functional coupling as well as hemichannel function, (iv) gliotransmission, (v) astroglial Ca2+ signaling and downstream effectors, (vi) reactive astrogliosis and cytokine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Gobbo
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Anja Scheller
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
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Kinboshi M, Ikeda A, Ohno Y. Role of Astrocytic Inwardly Rectifying Potassium (Kir) 4.1 Channels in Epileptogenesis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:626658. [PMID: 33424762 PMCID: PMC7786246 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.626658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes regulate potassium and glutamate homeostasis via inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) 4.1 channels in synapses, maintaining normal neural excitability. Numerous studies have shown that dysfunction of astrocytic Kir4.1 channels is involved in epileptogenesis in humans and animal models of epilepsy. Specifically, Kir4.1 channel inhibition by KCNJ10 gene mutation or expressional down-regulation increases the extracellular levels of potassium ions and glutamate in synapses and causes hyperexcitation of neurons. Moreover, recent investigations demonstrated that inhibition of Kir4.1 channels facilitates the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an important modulator of epileptogenesis, in astrocytes. In this review, we summarize the current understanding on the role of astrocytic Kir4.1 channels in epileptogenesis, with a focus on functional and expressional changes in Kir4.1 channels and their regulation of BDNF secretion. We also discuss the potential of Kir4.1 channels as a therapeutic target for the prevention of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Kinboshi
- Department of Pharmacology, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki, Japan.,Department of Epilepsy, Movement Disorders and Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akio Ikeda
- Department of Epilepsy, Movement Disorders and Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Ohno
- Department of Pharmacology, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki, Japan
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11
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Yang TT, Qian F, Liu L, Peng XC, Huang JR, Ren BX, Tang FR. Astroglial connexins in epileptogenesis. Seizure 2020; 84:122-128. [PMID: 33348235 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The astroglial network connected through gap junctions assembling from connexins physiologically balances the concentrations of ions and neurotransmitters around neurons. Astrocytic dysfunction has been associated with many neurological disorders including epilepsy. Dissociated gap junctions result in the increased activity of connexin hemichannels which triggers brain pathophysiological changes. Previous studies in patients and animal models of epilepsy indicate that the reduced gap junction coupling from assembled connexin hemichannels in the astrocytes may play an important role in epileptogenesis. This abnormal cell-to-cell communication is now emerging as an important feature of brain pathologies and being considered as a novel therapeutic target for controlling epileptogenesis. In particular, candidate drugs with ability of inhibition of connexin hemichannel activity and enhancement of gap junction formation in astrocytes should be explored to prevent epileptogenesis and control epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434023, China
| | - Feng Qian
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434023, China.
| | - Lian Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434023, China
| | - Xiao-Chun Peng
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434023, China
| | - Jiang-Rong Huang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434023, China
| | - Bo-Xu Ren
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, 434023, China
| | - Feng-Ru Tang
- Radiobiology Research Laboratory, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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12
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Boni JL, Kahanovitch U, Nwaobi SE, Floyd CL, Olsen ML. DNA methylation: A mechanism for sustained alteration of KIR4.1 expression following central nervous system insult. Glia 2020; 68:1495-1512. [PMID: 32068308 PMCID: PMC8665281 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Kir4.1, a glial-specific inwardly rectifying potassium channel, is implicated in astrocytic maintenance of K+ homeostasis. Underscoring the role of Kir4.1 in central nervous system (CNS) functioning, genetic mutations in KCNJ10, the gene which encodes Kir4.1, causes seizures, ataxia and developmental disability in humans. Kir4.1 protein and mRNA loss are consistently observed in CNS injury and neurological diseases linked to hyperexcitability and neuronal dysfunction, leading to the notion that Kir4.1 represents an attractive therapeutic target. Despite this, little is understood regarding the mechanisms that underpin this downregulation. Previous work by our lab revealed that DNA hypomethylation of the Kcnj10 gene functions to regulate mRNA levels during astrocyte maturation whereas hypermethylation in vitro led to decreased promoter activity. In the present study, we utilized two vastly different injury models with known acute and chronic loss of Kir4.1 protein and mRNA to evaluate the methylation status of Kcnj10 as a candidate molecular mechanism for reduced transcription and subsequent protein loss. Examining whole hippocampal tissue and isolated astrocytes, in a lithium-pilocarpine model of epilepsy, we consistently identified hypermethylation of CpG island two, which resides in the large intronic region spanning the Kcnj10 gene. Strikingly similar results were observed using the second injury paradigm, a fifth cervical (C5) vertebral hemi-contusion model of spinal cord injury. Our previous work indicates the same gene region is significantly hypomethylated when transcription increases during astrocyte maturation. Our results suggest that DNA methylation can bidirectionally modulate Kcnj10 transcription and may represent a targetable molecular mechanism for the restoring astroglial Kir4.1 expression following CNS insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Boni
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Uri Kahanovitch
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Sinifunanya E Nwaobi
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Candace L Floyd
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Michelle L Olsen
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
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13
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Abstract
The contribution of an impaired astrocytic K+ regulation system to epileptic neuronal hyperexcitability has been increasingly recognized in the last decade. A defective K+ regulation leads to an elevated extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o). When [K+]o reaches peaks of 10-12 mM, it is strongly associated with seizure initiation during hypersynchronous neuronal activities. On the other hand, reactive astrocytes during a seizure attack restrict influx of K+ across the membrane both passively and actively. In addition to decreased K+ buffering, aberrant Ca2+ signaling and declined glutamate transport have also been observed in astrogliosis in epileptic specimens, precipitating an increased neuronal discharge and induction of seizures. This review aims to provide an overview of experimental findings that implicated astrocytic modulation of extracellular K+ in the mechanism of epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fushun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, USA; Institute of Brain and Psychological Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaoming Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jason H Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Health; Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA
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14
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Vincze R, Péter M, Szabó Z, Kardos J, Héja L, Kovács Z. Connexin 43 Differentially Regulates Epileptiform Activity in Models of Convulsive and Non-convulsive Epilepsies. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:173. [PMID: 31133805 PMCID: PMC6523398 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of astrocytic cell networks on neuronal network activity is an emerging issue in epilepsy. Among the various mechanisms by which astrocytes modulate neuronal function, synchronization of astrocytes via gap junction channels is widely considered to be a crucial mechanism in epileptic conditions, contributing to the synchronization of the neuronal cell networks, possibly inducing recurrent epileptiform activity. Here, we explored whether modulation of astrocytic gap junctions could alter epileptic seizures in different types of epilepsy. Opening of gap junctions by trimethylamine intensifies seizure-like events (SLEs) in the low-[Mg2+] in vitro model of temporal lobe epilepsy, while alleviates seizures in the in vivo WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy. In contrast, application of the gap junction blocker carbenoxolone prevents the appearance of SLEs in the low-[Mg2+] epilepsy model, but aggravates seizures in non-convulsive absence epilepsy, in vivo. Pharmacological dissection of neuronal vs. astrocytic connexins shows that astrocytic Cx43 contribute to seizure formation to a significantly higher extent than neuronal Cx36. We conclude that astrocytic gap junctions are key players in the formation of epileptiform activity and we provide a scheme for the different mode of action in the convulsive and non-convulsive epilepsy types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renáta Vincze
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márton Péter
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Szabó
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Julianna Kardos
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Héja
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Kovács
- Department of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Savaria University Centre, Szombathely, Hungary
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15
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Down-Regulation of Astrocytic Kir4.1 Channels during the Audiogenic Epileptogenesis in Leucine-Rich Glioma-Inactivated 1 ( Lgi1) Mutant Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051013. [PMID: 30813600 PMCID: PMC6429235 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysfunction of astrocytic inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) 4.1 channels, which mediate the spatial potassium-buffering function of astrocytes, is known to be involved in the development of epilepsy. Here, we analyzed the Kir4.1 expressional changes in Leucine-Rich Glioma-Inactivated 1 (Lgi1) mutant rats, which is a model of autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy in humans, to clarify the role of astrocytic Kir4.1 channels in Lgi1-related epileptogenesis. Priming acoustic stimulation (at postnatal day 16) conferred seizure susceptibility on Lgi1 mutant rats, which evoked audiogenic seizures with test stimulation at eight weeks. In the seizure-susceptible Lgi1 mutant rats (before test stimulation), astrocytic Kir4.1 expression was down-regulated region-specifically in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. In addition, prophylactic treatments of Lgi1 mutant rats with valproic acid (VPA, 30 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) for two weeks prevented both the development of seizure susceptibility and the down-regulation of Kir4.1 expression in astrocytes. The present study demonstrated for the first time that the astrocytic Kir4.1 expression was reduced in the Lgi1-related seizure model, suggesting that the down-regulation of Kir4.1 channels in astrocytes is involved in audiogenic epileptogenesis caused by Lgi1 mutation. In addition, VPA seemed to have a prophylactic effect on Lgi1-related seizures.
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16
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Ohno Y, Kinboshi M, Shimizu S. Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel Kir4.1 as a Novel Modulator of BDNF Expression in Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113313. [PMID: 30356026 PMCID: PMC6274740 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key molecule essential for neural plasticity and development, and is implicated in the pathophysiology of various central nervous system (CNS) disorders. It is now documented that BDNF is synthesized not only in neurons, but also in astrocytes which actively regulate neuronal activities by forming tripartite synapses. Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channel subunit Kir4.1, which is specifically expressed in astrocytes, constructs Kir4.1 and Kir4.1/5.1 channels, and mediates the spatial potassium (K+) buffering action of astrocytes. Recent evidence illustrates that Kir4.1 channels play important roles in bringing about the actions of antidepressant drugs and modulating BDNF expression in astrocytes. Although the precise mechanisms remain to be clarified, it seems likely that inhibition (down-regulation or blockade) of astrocytic Kir4.1 channels attenuates K+ buffering, increases neuronal excitability by elevating extracellular K+ and glutamate, and facilitates BDNF expression. Conversely, activation (up-regulation or opening) of Kir4.1 channels reduces neuronal excitability by lowering extracellular K+ and glutamate, and attenuates BDNF expression. Particularly, the former pathophysiological alterations seem to be important in epileptogenesis and pain sensitization, and the latter in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders. In this article, we review the functions of Kir4.1 channels, with a focus on their regulation of spatial K+ buffering and BDNF expression in astrocytes, and discuss the role of the astrocytic Kir4.1-BDNF system in modulating CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukihiro Ohno
- Department of Pharmacology, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1094, Japan.
| | - Masato Kinboshi
- Department of Pharmacology, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1094, Japan.
| | - Saki Shimizu
- Department of Pharmacology, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1094, Japan.
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