α2C-Adrenergic Receptor Blockade Inhibits Langendorff-Isolated Rat Heart Work

We studied the effect of selective α2C-adrenergic receptor antagonist JP-1302 in concentrations of 10-9-10-6 M on inotropy, chronotropy, and coronary flow in the Langendorff-isolated rat heart. JP-1302 in all studied concentrations decreased the left-ventricular myocardium force contraction, HR, and coronary flow. The maximum inotropic, chronotropic, and vascular effects were observed when the antagonist was applied to the perfused solution in a concentration of 10-7 M. The least pronounced decrease in the studied parameters was observed at JP-1302 concentrations of 10-8 and 10-9 M. The obtained data indicate the participation of this subtype of α2-adrenergic receptors in the regulation of activity of isolated adult rats heart.

Early Alterations in Structural and Functional Properties in the Neuromuscular Junctions of Mutant FUS Mice

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is manifested as skeletal muscle denervation, loss of motor neurons and finally severe respiratory failure. Mutations of RNA-binding protein FUS are one of the common genetic reasons of ALS accompanied by a 'dying back' type of degeneration. Using fluorescent approaches and microelectrode recordings, the early structural and functional alterations in diaphragm neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) were studied in mutant FUS mice at the pre-onset stage. Lipid peroxidation and decreased staining with a lipid raft marker were found in the mutant mice. Despite the preservation of the end-plate structure, immunolabeling revealed an increase in levels of presynaptic proteins, SNAP-25 and synapsin 1. The latter can restrain Ca2+-dependent synaptic vesicle mobilization. Indeed, neurotransmitter release upon intense nerve stimulation and its recovery after tetanus and compensatory synaptic vesicle endocytosis were markedly depressed in FUS mice. There was a trend to attenuation of axonal [Ca2+]in increase upon nerve stimulation at 20 Hz. However, no changes in neurotransmitter release and the intraterminal Ca2+ transient in response to low frequency stimulation or in quantal content and the synchrony of neurotransmitter release at low levels of external Ca2+ were detected. At a later stage, shrinking and fragmentation of end plates together with a decrease in presynaptic protein expression and disturbance of the neurotransmitter release timing occurred. Overall, suppression of synaptic vesicle exo-endocytosis upon intense activity probably due to alterations in membrane properties, synapsin 1 levels and Ca2+ kinetics could be an early sign of nascent NMJ pathology, which leads to neuromuscular contact disorganization.

Effect of Clonidine Hydrochloride on Isolated Newborn Rat Heart

The concentration dependenies of the chronotropic response and changes in blood supply to the isolated heart of 7-day-old newborn rats induced by application of α2-adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine hydrochloride in concentrations of 10^-9-10^-6 M were revealed. The minimum concentration of α2-adrenergic receptor agonist caused tachycardia, while higher concentrations led to bradycardia. The maximum effect manifesting in a decrease in coronary flow was recorded at the minimum concentration of the agonist, while the highest concentration had no effect on the coronary flow. When comparing these results with those obtained in control adult rats, we found that the most pronounced differences in the chronotropic effects were observed after addition of the minimum concentration of the α2-adrenergic receptor agonist: bradycardia in adult rats and tachycardia in newborns. The maximum differences in coronary flow parameters were observed after addition of α2-adrenergic receptor agonist in the maximum concentration that induced a two-phase response in adult rats and had no effect on the blood supply in newborns.

Early Lipid Raft-Related Changes: Interplay between Unilateral Denervation and Hindlimb Suspension

Muscle disuse and denervation leads to muscle atrophy, but underlying mechanisms can be different. Previously, we have found ceramide (Cer) accumulation and lipid raft disruption after acute hindlimb suspension (HS), a model of muscle disuse. Herein, using biochemical and fluorescent approaches the influence of unilateral denervation itself and in combination with short-term HS on membrane-related parameters of rat soleus muscle was studied. Denervation increased immunoexpression of sphingomyelinase and Cer in plasmalemmal regions, but decreased Cer content in the raft fraction and enhanced lipid raft integrity. Preliminary denervation suppressed (1) HS-induced Cer accumulation in plasmalemmal regions, shown for both nonraft and raft-fractions; (2) HS-mediated decrease in lipid raft integrity. Similar to denervation, inhibition of the sciatic nerve afferents with capsaicin itself increased Cer plasmalemmal immunoexpression, but attenuated the membrane-related effects of HS. Finally, both denervation and capsaicin treatment increased immunoexpression of proapoptotic protein Bax and inhibited HS-driven increase in antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Thus, denervation can increase lipid raft formation and attenuate HS-induced alterations probably due to decrease of Cer levels in the raft fraction. The effects of denervation could be at least partially caused by the loss of afferentation. The study points to the importance of motor and afferent inputs in control of Cer distribution and thereby stability of lipid rafts in the junctional and extrajunctional membranes of the muscle.

Comparative Analysis of Cardiac Effects of α1A-Adrenoreceptor Stimulation In Vivo and Ex Vivo in Newborn Rats

The study examined the effects of α_1A-adrenoceptor stimulation on chronotropic function of Langendorff-perfused isolated heart ex vivo and on cardiac chronotropy in vivo in 7-day-old rats. α_1A-Adrenergic receptor agonist A-61603 reduced heart chronotropy only in the whole organism. No chronotropic effects of selective stimulation of α_1A-adrenergic receptors on isolated hearts were observed in ex vivo experiments. These findings suggest that α_1A-adrenergic receptors are not implicated in HR regulation in newborn rats. Bradycardia induced by activation of these receptors in vivo is most likely associated with reflex influences on the heart and changes in the vascular tone in the whole organism.

Effects of Transplanted Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells Overexpressing GDNF on Spatial Memory and Hippocampal Synaptic Proteins in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive incurable neurodegenerative disorder. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a prominent regulator of brain tissue and has an impressive potential for use in AD therapy. While its metabolism is still not fully understood, delivering neuropeptides such as GDNF via umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCBMCs) to the sites of neurodegeneration is a promising approach in the development of innovative therapeutic avenues.

METHODS

UCBMCs were transduced with adenoviral vectors expressing GDNF and injected into AD transgenic mice. Various parameters including homing and survival of transplanted cells, expression of GDNF and synaptic proteins, as well as spatial memory were evaluated.

RESULTS

UCBMCs were observed in the hippocampus and cortex several weeks after transplantation, and their long-term presence was associated with improved spatial memory. Post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) and synaptophysin levels in the hippocampus were also effectively restored following the procedure in AD mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that gene-cell therapy with GDNF-overexpressing UCBMCs may produce long-lasting neuroprotection and stimulation of synaptogenesis. Such adenoviral constructs could potentially possess a high therapeutic potential for the treatment of AD.

Effect of If Current Blockade on Newborn Rat Heart Isolated According to Langendorff

The study examined the effects of hyperpolarization-activated funny current (If) on HR and coronary flow in Langendorff-isolated hearts from newborn rats. Blockade of If current with ZD7288 changed the examined cardiac parameters. The blocker in a concentration of 10^-9 M decreased HR by 26.8% (p≤0.05). In concentrations 10^-8, 10^-7, 10^-6, and 10^-5 M ZD7288 produced minor differently directed effects. In a concentration of 10^-5 M, ZD7288 reduced coronary flow in the isolated heart (p≤0.01). In other concentrations, the blocker produced no significant effects on coronary flow.

Dysfunction of Neuromuscular Synapses in the Genetic Model of Alzheimer's Disease

The function of synaptic transmission and presynaptic vesicular cycle in the neuromuscular synapses of the diaphragm was studied in transgenic APP/PS1 mice (Alzheimer's disease model). The decrease in the quantal content of end-plate potential, intense depression of the amplitude of terminal plate potentials under conditions of lasting high frequency stimulation (50 Hz), a drastic prolongation of the synaptic vesicle recycling time in APP/PS1 mice in comparison with wild type mice were detected. Manifest dysfunction of the neuromuscular synapses, caused by disordered neurosecretion and recycling of the synaptic vesicles in the presynaptic nerve endings, was detected in the Alzheimer's disease model on transgenic APP/PS1 mice. The study supplemented the notions on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease as a systemic disease, while the detected phenomena could just partially explain the development of motor disorders in this disease.

Transcriptional Analysis of Blood Lymphocytes and Skin Fibroblasts, Keratinocytes, and Endothelial Cells as a Potential Biomarker for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating and progressive form of dementia that is typically associated with a build-up of amyloid-β plaques and hyperphosphorylated and misfolded tau protein in the brain. Presently, there is no single test that confirms AD; therefore, a definitive diagnosis is only made after a comprehensive medical evaluation, which includes medical history, cognitive tests, and a neurological examination and/or brain imaging. Additionally, the protracted prodromal phase of the disease makes selection of control subjects for clinical trials challenging. In this study we have utilized a gene-expression array to screen blood and skin punch biopsy (fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells) for transcriptional differences that may lead to a greater understanding of AD as well as identify potential biomarkers. Our analysis identified 129 differentially expressed genes from blood of dementia cases when compared to healthy individuals, and four differentially expressed punch biopsy genes between AD subjects and controls. Additionally, we identified a set of genes in both tissue compartments that showed transcriptional variation in AD but were largely stable in controls. The translational products of these variable genes are involved in the maintenance of the Golgi structure, regulation of lipid metabolism, DNA repair, and chromatin remodeling. Our analysis potentially identifies specific genes in both tissue compartments that may ultimately lead to useful biomarkers and may provide new insight into the pathophysiology of AD.

Human APP Gene Expression Alters Active Zone Distribution and Spontaneous Neurotransmitter Release at the Drosophila Larval Neuromuscular Junction

This study provides further insight into the molecular mechanisms that control neurotransmitter release. Experiments were performed on larval neuromuscular junctions of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster lines with different levels of human amyloid precursor protein (APP) production. To express human genes in motor neurons of Drosophila, the UAS-GAL4 system was used. Human APP gene expression increased the number of synaptic boutons per neuromuscular junction. The total number of active zones, detected by Bruchpilot protein puncta distribution, remained unchanged; however, the average number of active zones per bouton decreased. These disturbances were accompanied by a decrease in frequency of miniature excitatory junction potentials without alteration in random nature of spontaneous quantal release. Similar structural and functional changes were observed with co-overexpression of human APP and β-secretase genes. In Drosophila line with expression of human amyloid-β42 peptide itself, parameters analyzed did not differ from controls, suggesting the specificity of APP effects. These results confirm the involvement of APP in synaptogenesis and provide evidence to suggest that human APP overexpression specifically disturbs the structural and functional organization of active zone and results in altered Bruchpilot distribution and lowered probability of spontaneous neurotransmitter release.

Membrane lipid rafts are disturbed in the response of rat skeletal muscle to short-term disuse

Marked loss of skeletal muscle mass occurs under various conditions of disuse, but the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to atrophy are not completely understood. We investigate early molecular events that might play a role in skeletal muscle remodeling during mechanical unloading (disuse). The effects of acute (6-12 h) hindlimb suspension on the soleus muscles from adult rats were examined. The integrity of plasma membrane lipid rafts was tested utilizing cholera toxin B subunit or fluorescent sterols. In addition, resting intracellular Ca²⁺ level was analyzed. Acute disuse disturbed the plasma membrane lipid-ordered phase throughout the sarcolemma and was more pronounced in junctional membrane regions. Ouabain (1 µM), which specifically inhibits the Na-K-ATPase α2 isozyme in rodent skeletal muscles, produced similar lipid raft changes in control muscles but was ineffective in suspended muscles, which showed an initial loss of α2 Na-K-ATPase activity. Lipid rafts were able to recover with cholesterol supplementation, suggesting that disturbance results from cholesterol loss. Repetitive nerve stimulation also restores lipid rafts, specifically in the junctional sarcolemma region. Disuse locally lowered the resting intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration only near the neuromuscular junction of muscle fibers. Our results provide evidence to suggest that the ordering of lipid rafts strongly depends on motor nerve input and may involve interactions with the α2 Na-K-ATPase. Lipid raft disturbance, accompanied by intracellular Ca²⁺ dysregulation, is among the earliest remodeling events induced by skeletal muscle disuse.

Peculiar Aspects in Influence of α1-Adrenoceptor Stimulation on Isolated Rat Heart

The study examined the effect of α₁-adrenoceptor stimulation with methoxamine on chronotropic function of isolated heart perfused ex vivo according to Langendorff and cardiac chronotropy in vivo. Stimulation of α₁-adrenoceptors in isolated heart induced gradually developing bradycardia, which progressed during several minutes. Similar stimulation in vivo produced a short-term bradycardia probably terminated by the compensatory influences in the whole organism. Comparison of the data obtained in both experimental paradigms during α1-adrenoceptor stimulation revealed unidirectional changes in cardiac chronotropy characterized with time-related peculiarities.

Myosin accelerates synaptic vesicle recycling in the motor nerve endings

Neurotransmitter release and exocytosis of synaptic vesicles in the motor nerve endings of the frog cutaneous-pectoris muscle were studied using electrophysiological and optical methods under the conditions of inhibition of the myosin light-chain kinase and non-muscle myosin by the specific inhibitors ML-7 (12 μM) and (-)-blebbistatin (100 μM). At high-frequency stimulation (20 pulses/s), these inhibitors strengthened suppression of transmitter release during the first 20-25 s and slowed down the release of the fluorescent dye FM 1-43. The obtained results indicate that myosin accelerates rapid synaptic vesicle recycling upon high-frequency stimulation.

Ketamine-Midazolam Anesthesia Induces Total Inhibition of Cortical Activity in the Brain of Newborn Rats

The effects of general anesthetics ketamine and midazolam, the drugs that cause neuroapoptosis at the early stages of CNS development, on electrical activity of the somatosensory cortex in newborn rats were studied using extracellular recording of local field potentials and action potentials of cortical neurons. Combined administration of ketamine (40 mg/kg) and midazolam (9 mg/kg) induced surgical coma and almost completely suppressed early oscillatory patterns and neuronal firing. These effects persisted over 3 h after injection of the anesthetics. We concluded that general anesthesia induced by combined administration of ketamine and midazolam profoundly suppressed cortical activity in newborn rats, which can trigger neuroapoptosis in the developing brain.

Similar oxysterols may lead to opposite effects on synaptic transmission: Olesoxime versus 5α-cholestan-3-one at the frog neuromuscular junction

Cholesterol oxidation products frequently have a high biological activity. In the present study, we have used microelectrode recording of end plate currents and FM-based optical detection of synaptic vesicle exo-endocytosis to investigate the effects of two structurally similar oxysterols, olesoxime (cholest-4-en-3-one, oxime) and 5ɑ-cholestan-3-one (5ɑCh3), on neurotransmission at the frog neuromuscular junction. Olesoxime is an exogenous, potentially neuroprotective, substance and 5ɑCh3 is an intermediate product in cholesterol metabolism, which is elevated in the case of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis. We found that olesoxime slightly increased evoked neurotransmitter release in response to a single stimulus and significantly reduced synaptic depression during high frequency activity. The last effect was due to an increase in both the number of synaptic vesicles involved in exo-endocytosis and the rate of synaptic vesicle recycling. In contrast, 5ɑCh3 reduced evoked neurotransmitter release during the low- and high frequency synaptic activities. The depressant action of 5ɑCh3 was associated with a reduction in the number of synaptic vesicles participating in exo- and endocytosis during high frequency stimulation, without a change in rate of the synaptic vesicle recycling. Of note, olesoxime increased the staining of synaptic membranes with the B-subunit of cholera toxin and the formation of fluorescent ganglioside GM1 clusters, and decreased the fluorescence of 22-NBD-cholesterol, while 5ɑCh3 had the opposite effects, suggesting that the two oxysterols have different effects on lipid raft stability. Taken together, these data show that these two structurally similar oxysterols induce marked different changes in neuromuscular transmission which are related with the alteration in synaptic vesicle cycle.

Distinct α2 Na,K-ATPase membrane pools are differently involved in early skeletal muscle remodeling during disuse

Location, location, location. The Na-K pump of skeletal muscle is regulated differently at neuromuscular junctions.

The Na,K-ATPase is essential for the contractile function of skeletal muscle, which expresses the α1 and α2 subunit isoforms of Na,K-ATPase. The α2 isozyme is predominant in adult skeletal muscles and makes a greater contribution in working compared with noncontracting muscles. Hindlimb suspension (HS) is a widely used model of muscle disuse that leads to progressive atrophy of postural skeletal muscles. This study examines the consequences of acute (6–12 h) HS on the functioning of the Na,K-ATPase α1 and α2 isozymes in rat soleus (disused) and diaphragm (contracting) muscles. Acute disuse dynamically and isoform-specifically regulates the electrogenic activity, protein, and mRNA content of Na,K-ATPase α2 isozyme in rat soleus muscle. Earlier disuse-induced remodeling events also include phospholemman phosphorylation as well as its increased abundance and association with α2 Na,K-ATPase. The loss of α2 Na,K-ATPase activity results in reduced electrogenic pump transport and depolarized resting membrane potential. The decreased α2 Na,K-ATPase activity is caused by a decrease in enzyme activity rather than by altered protein and mRNA content, localization in the sarcolemma, or functional interaction with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The loss of extrajunctional α2 Na,K-ATPase activity depends strongly on muscle use, and even the increased protein and mRNA content as well as enhanced α2 Na,K-ATPase abundance at this membrane region after 12 h of HS cannot counteract this sustained inhibition. In contrast, additional factors may regulate the subset of junctional α2 Na,K-ATPase pool that is able to recover during HS. Notably, acute, low-intensity muscle workload restores functioning of both α2 Na,K-ATPase pools. These results demonstrate that the α2 Na,K-ATPase in rat skeletal muscle is dynamically and acutely regulated by muscle use and provide the first evidence that the junctional and extrajunctional pools of the α2 Na,K-ATPase are regulated differently.

Improved cognitive, affective and anxiety measures in patients with chronic systemic disorders following structured physical activity

Mental illnesses are frequent co-morbid conditions in chronic systemic diseases. High incidences of depression, anxiety and cognitive impairment complicate cardiovascular and metabolic disorders such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Lifestyle changes including regular exercise have been advocated to reduce blood pressure and improve glycaemic control. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effect of physical training on the most prevalent corollary psychiatric problems in patients with chronic organic ailments. This longitudinal study assessed the mental health of hypertensive (age: 57 ± 8 years) and/or diabetic (age: 53 ± 8 years) patients using mini-mental state examination, Beck's depression inventory, Beck's anxiety inventory and self-reporting questionnaire-20 before and after a 3-month supervised resistance and aerobic exercise programme comprising structured physical activity three times a week. Clinically relevant improvement was observed in the Beck's depression inventory and Beck's anxiety inventory scores following the 12-week training (61%, p = 0.001, and 53%, p = 0.02, respectively). Even though statistically not significant (p = 0.398), the cognitive performance of this relatively young patient population also benefited from the programme. These results demonstrate positive effects of active lifestyle on non-psychotic mental disorders in patients with chronic systemic diseases, recommending exercise as an alternative treatment option.

Human cognitive and neuro-psychiatric bio-markers in the cardiac peri-operative patient

Some of the complexities of surgical interventions include neurological and psychiatric disturbances. Prompt identification and early treatment of these complications are pivotal in achieving excellent clinical results. Recognizing major adverse events such as stroke, seizure or delirium is usually straight-forward, however the discovery of less frequent or more subtle post-operative changes such as cognitive dysfunction might be delayed due to lack of appropriate diagnostic tools. This review summarizes biological markers that can be utilized as surrogates in evaluating surgery-related neuro-psychiatric disorders.

Effects of 5α-cholestan-3-one on the synaptic vesicle cycle at the mouse neuromuscular junction

We have investigated the effects of 5α-cholesten-3-one (5Ch3, 200 nM) on synaptic transmission in mouse diaphragm. 5Ch3 had no impact on the amplitude or frequency of miniature endplate currents (MEPCs, spontaneous secretion), but decreased the amplitude of EPCs (evoked secretion) triggered by single action potentials. Treatment with 5Ch3 increased the depression of EPC amplitude and slowed the unloading of the dye FM1-43 from synaptic vesicles (exocytosis rate) during high-frequency stimulation. The estimated recycling time of vesicles did not change, suggesting that the decline of synaptic efficiency was due to the reduction in the size of the population of vesicles involved in release. The effects of 5Ch3 on synaptic transmission may be related to changes in the phase properties of the membrane. We have found that 5Ch3 reduces the staining of synaptic regions with the B-subunit of cholera toxin (a marker of lipid rafts) and increases the fluorescence of 22-NBD-cholesterol, indicating a phase change within the membrane. Manipulations of membrane cholesterol (saturation or depletion) strongly reduced the influence of 5Ch3 on both FM1-43 dye unloading and staining with the B-subunit of cholera toxin. Thus, 5Ch3 reduces the number of vesicles which are actively recruited during synaptic transmission and alters membrane properties. These effects of 5Ch3 depend on membrane cholesterol.

Role of membrane cholesterol in spontaneous exocytosis at frog neuromuscular synapses: reactive oxygen species-calcium interplay

Using electrophysiological and optical techniques, we studied the mechanisms by which cholesterol depletion stimulates spontaneous transmitter release by exocytosis at the frog neuromuscular junction. We found that methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD, 10 mM)-mediated exhaustion of cholesterol resulted in the enhancement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which was prevented by the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin. An increase in ROS levels occurred both extra- and intracellularly, and it was associated with lipid peroxidation in synaptic regions. Cholesterol depletion provoked a rise in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, which was diminished by NAC and transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channel blockers (ruthenium red and capsazepine). By contrast, the MCD-induced rise in [Ca(2+)]i remained unaffected if Ca(2+) release from endoplasmic stores was blocked by TMB8 (8-(diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride). The effects of cholesterol depletion on spontaneous release and exocytosis were significantly reduced by the antioxidant, intracellular Ca(2+) chelation with BAPTA-AM and blockers of TRPV channels. Bath application of the calcineurin antagonist cyclosporine A blocked MCD-induced enhancement of spontaneous release/exocytosis, whereas okadaic acid, an inhibitor of phosphatases PP1 and PP2A, had no effect. Thus, our findings indicate that enhancement of spontaneous exocytosis induced by cholesterol depletion may depend on ROS generation, leading to an influx of Ca(2+) via TRPV channels and, subsequently, activation of calcineurin.

[Secondary epileptogenesis in the immature brain: a role of GABA]

Clinical studies show that the probability of recurrent epileptiform discharges and formation of an epileptic focus (epileptogenesis) in young children is much higher than in adults. Repetitive epileptiform discharges and their potential contribution to the mechanisms of the development of the epileptic focus - an important object of clinical and scientific research. This review is based on the data from animal studies, and summarizes the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the increased excitability of the immature brain, the formation of a secondary epileptogenic focus, and the functional changes of neurons due to deleterious effects of repetitive epileptiform discharges on the excitation and inhibition in the immature neuronal networks. The review discusses the relevance of experimental data in light of the general mechanisms of epileptogenesis in infants and identifies the gaps in current scientific knowledge, including the relationship between the data obtained in animal studies and processes underlying human acquired epilepsy.

Age-related peculiarities of inotropic response of rat myocardium to selective block of M1-cholinoreceptors

In vitro effect of M1-cholinoreceptor blockade on the cardiac inotropic function was examined in rats aging 1, 3, 6, 8, and 20 weeks. In 1- and 3-week old rat pups, the sympathetic control of the heart has not developed, the age of 7-8 weeks being pubertal. Adult 20-week rats were used as the controls. In rats of all age groups, preliminary blockade of M1-cholinoreceptors did not prevent the inhibitory effect of carbacholine on contractility of the atrial and ventricular myocardium. The inhibitory effect of pirenzepine on the contractile force of ventricular myocardium was revealed in 6-week rats.

Analysis of the efficiency of gene-cell therapy in transgenic mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis phenotype

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive death of cerebral and spinal motorneurons. Using behavioral tests we studied the efficiency of gene-cell therapy in SOD1 G93A transgenic mice receiving xenotransplantation of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells genetically modified with adenoviral vectors encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and reporter green fluorescent protein (EGFP) genes. The cells were transplanted to mice on week 27 of life (preclinical stage of the disease). Behavioral tests (open field, grip strength test) showed that transplantation of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells expressing VEGF significantly improved the parameters of motor and explorative activity, grip strength, and animal survival. Thus, gene-cell therapy based on genetically modified mononuclear cells expressing VEGF can be efficient for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

[Membrane cholesterol oxidation effects on synaptic vesicle cycle in frog (RANA ridibunda) motor nerve terminals]

In experiments on frog (Rana ridibunda) neuromuscular junction the influence of cholesterol oxidation on the presynaptic vesicular cycle was investigated. Application of cholesterol oxidase (1 u. a.) during 1/2 hour led to the oxidation of - 0.007 mg cholesterol per 1 g tissue and reduced stability of lipid rafts in the nerve terminals. Using electrophysiological techniques it was shown that the cholesterol oxidation decreases the evoked neurotransmitter release. In experiments with fluorescent FM-dyes the depression of the synaptic vesicles exo-endocytosis and the dispersion of synaptic vesicles clusters were revealed. Comparative analysis of electrophysiological and optical data, as well as experiments with water soluble quencher of FM-dye indicated the possibility of some neurotransmitter release by "kiss-and-run" pathway, when short-lived fusion pore is formed. It was concluded that cholesterol oxidation inhibit evoked exocytosis, and also synaptic vesicle delivery from reserve pool to cites of exocytosis probably by break of the clusterization. Perhaps the synaptic vesicles of recycling pool release the neurotransmitter using the kiss-and-run mechanism.

[The influence of beta-amyloid peptide on the functions of excitable tissues: physiological and pathological aspects]

Beta-amyloid peptide (betaAP) is a product of proteolytic cleavage of wide-spread transmembrane amyloid precursor protein. Betaap is physiological oligopeptide, which is present in biological fluids and tissues of healthy human organism at picomolar concentrations. However, excessive production, polymerization and accumulation of betaAP in tissues (first in neural tissue) underlie the pathogenesis of a number of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease and others). Although the presence of insoluble deposits of fibrillar betaAP (senile plaques) is a characteristic histopathological sign of Alzheimer's disease, soluble betaAP oligomers (dimers, trimers, etc.) possess most neurotoxicity. Soluble betaAP induces mitochondrial dysfunction, increased production of reactive oxygen species in neurons, disorganization of cell plasma membranes, disturbances of ion transport across cell membranes, impairment of synaptic transmission and long-term synaptic plasticity, etc. Recently a lot of attention is paid to possible peripheral effects of betaAP, related to its toxic influence on excitable structures of neuromuscular apparatus and cardiovascular system. At current review we represented state-of-art views on the processes of production and aggregation of betaAP in organism, cellular and molecular mechanisms of betaAP influence on physiological functions of excitable cells, the role of betaAP in pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease and others), as well as the results of our own studies in this field.

[Cholesterol and lipid rafts in the biological membranes. Role in the release, reception and ion channel functions]

Traditionally, membrane protein molecules that form ion channels, transporters, pumps, signaling complexes, machine of exo- and endocytosis is assigned as the main players of the cellular processes. Recently, the findings that indicate the importance of lipids in regulating of cell physiology are accumulated. Attention is attracting to cholesterol molecule because it can directly interact with different proteins and together with sphingolipids to form membrane microdomains (lipid rafts). Many receptors (for neurotransmitters, hormones, growth factors), signaling proteins and proteins involved in vesicular and ion transport are concentrated in the lipid rafts. Changes in stability and structure of rafts cause dramatic cellular dysfunction. In the review the current views on lipid variants that make up the biological membrane, the distribution of cholesterol, the organization and the formation of lipid rafts and caveolae are described. Accent is made on researches that focus on the significance of lipid rafts in the extra- and intracellular signaling, neurotransmitters release, receptor and ion channels function at the excitable cells.

[Experimental and modelling investigation of the mechanism of synaptic vesicles recycling]

Under the condition of microelectrode recording and fluorescence microscopy with dye FM 1-43 the research of exo- endocytosis of synaptic vesicle in motor nerve terminals (NT) of frog cutaneous pectoris and white mice diaphragm muscles during high frequency stimulation (20 imp/s) was carried out. A mathematical modeling allowed us to conclude that the obtained experimental data can be explained in the following framework. Three pools of synaptic vesicles are involved in neurotransmitter release in the frog motor NT. Recovery of these pools is provided by endocytosis of two types: fast endocytosis with limited capacity and slow endocytosis. Fast-reconstructing vesicles refills the mobilization pool and slow endocytosis recovers the reserve pool. Our modelling investigation has revealed in frog NT independent recruiting of reserve and mobilization pools to the neurotransmitter secretion, i.e. this pools work concurrently. Experimental data, obtained on mice preparations, are well described with the framework of two-pools model including single type of endocytosis (fast endocytosis).

Role of calcium and potassium channels in effects of hydrogen sulfide on frog myocardial contractility

The effects of sodium hydrosulfide NaHS, a donor of hydrogen sulfide H2S, on the force of muscle contraction were examined on isolated myocardial strips from frog ventricles. NaHS decreased the amplitude of muscle contractions in a dose-dependent manner under normal conditions and during inhibition of Ca channels with nifedipine. In contrast, under conditions of blockade of ATP-dependent potassium channels with glibenclamide, NaHS exerted a positive inotropic effect from the first minute of application. Neither blockade, nor activation of ATP-dependent K-channels with glibenclamide modulated the negative inotropic effect of NaHS. Inhibition of K-channels with tetraethylammonium (TEA) (3, 5, 10 mM) or 4-aminopyridine increased the amplitude of myocardial contractions. Preliminary application of 4-aminopyridine or TEA (3 mM) did not eliminate NaHS-induced negative inotropic effect, although higher TEA concentrations (5 or 10 mM) prevented it. The data indicate that the targets of H(2)S in frog myocardium are ATP-dependent, Ca-activated, and voltage-dependent K-channels.

[Mechanism of the slow inotropic response of the mouse atrium mediated by the beta2-adrenoreceptor]

The abundant beta2-adrenoceptors (AR) expression was revealed in the mouse atrial cardiomyocytes, albeit its function is poorly understood. Recently we revealed the slow developing (for 20-40 min) positive inotropic effect in the mouse atrium which was induced by the specific agonist of the beta2-adrenoceptors (5 mkM fenoterol) and the task of this study involved investigation of the found effect. It was shown that stimulation of beta2-AR is enough for rapid triggering of up-regulation of two signalling pathways that have the opposite influence on the contraction force. On one hand, activation of the adenylate cyclase--protein kinase A cascade occurs leading to increasing of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and amplitude of contraction; on the other hand, activation of the NO-synthase and enhance of NO production occurs which prevents the potentiating of the contraction force. During the first 15-20 minutes, superposition of these activation effects was revealed, which prevented the contraction strength increasing. Then the positive inotropic effects occurred due to the decreasing of NO production. It was shown that L-type Ca-channels and ryanodine receptors were the key targets incorporated in the beta2 adrenoreceptors signalling puzzle.

[Ionic and molecular mechanisms of beta-amyloid-induced depolarization of the mouse skeletal muscle fibres]

Excess production and accumulation of beta-amyloid peptide (betaAP) are central for pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Numerous studies showed that betaAP possessed wide range of toxic effects on neurons, however the mechanism of betaAP influence on another types of excitable cells, for example, skeletal muscle fibres, is unknown. In electrophysiological experiments on the mouse diaphragm, we found for the first time that betaAP (25-35 fragment, 10-6 M) disturbs the processes of the resting membrane potential generation in muscle fibres, leading to depolarization by two mechanisms: 1) inhibition of Na+,K(+)-ATPase, which leads to loss of impact of this pump to the resting membrane potential; 2) increase of membrane cationic permeability due to formation of "amyloid" channels blocked with Zn2+ ions. Our results significantly broaden current understanding of mechanisms of motor disturbances and skeletal muscle pathology in Alzheimer's disease, inclusion body myositis and other betaAP-related disorders.

Increased non-quantal release of acetylcholine after inhibition of endocytosis by methyl-β-cyclodextrin: the role of vesicular acetylcholine transporter

We investigated the role of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter in the mechanism of non-quantal (non-vesicular) secretion of neurotransmitter in the neuromuscular synapse of the rat diaphragm muscle. Non-quantal secretion was estimated electrophysiologically by the amplitude of end-plate hyperpolarization after inhibition of cholinesterase and nicotinic receptors (H-effect) or measured by the optical detection of acetylcholine in the bathing solution. It was shown that 1 mM methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD) reduced both endocytosis and, to much lesser extent, exocytosis of synaptic vesicles (SV) thereby increasing non-quantal secretion of acetylcholine with a concurrent decrease in axoplasm pH. During high-frequency stimulation of the motor nerve, that substantially increases vesicles exocytosis, the non-quantal secretion was further enhanced if the endocytosis of SV was blocked by MCD. In contrast, non-quantal secretion of acetylcholine did not increase when the MCD-treated neuromuscular preparations were superfused with either vesamicol, an inhibitor of vesicular transporter of acetylcholine, or sodium propionate, which decreases intracellular pH. These results suggest that the proton-dependent, vesamicol-sensitive vesicular transporters of acetylcholine, which become inserted into the presynaptic membrane during SV exocytosis and removed during endocytotic recycling of SV, play the major role in the process of non-quantal secretion of neurotransmitter.

[Investigation vesicle cycle in nerve formations in somatic muscle of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris]

Luminous spots with a diameter of 1-2 microm, which are clusters of "synaptic buds", were revealed in the muscular wall of the earthworm using endocytotic fluorescent dyes FM1-43, FM2-10 and FM4-64. Application of the membrane probe Dil that is capable of being subjected to anterograde axonal transport to abdominal ganglia of the nervous chain, and subsequent (in a day) staining of nerve formations by endocytotic dye FM4-64 showed complete imposition of the emission data of the dyes that fluoresce in different parts of the spectrum. Using fluorescent marker DiBAC4(3) showed an increased emission of neural elements with increasing concentration of K+ in the extracellular environment. Application of FM2-10 showed that the higher concentration of K+ in solution, and hence the depolarization of the nerve cells, the faster the upload of the dye, and vice versa, the process slowed down in the absence of K+ in the medium. The seizure and removal of FM2-10 were blocked in calcium-free solutions in the presence of Ca2+ buffers, BABTA or BABTA-AM, but only after a preliminary 40 min incubation. The processes of exo- and endocytosis occurred in the clusters of synaptic "buds" and were preserved in conditions of "rest". This vesicle cycle depends on membrane potential and concentration of K+ and Ca2+, and, it is very likely that the calcium sensor operates on the principle "all or nothing".

[Lipids in the process of synaptic vesicle exo- and endocytosis]

The phenomenon of synaptic transmission is based on the processes of synaptic vesicle exo- and endocytosis carried out with complex protein-dependent mechanisms. The SNARE-complex forming proteins (synaptobrevin, syntaxin, SNAP-25), synaptotagmin, Munc13, Munc18, NSF, alpha-SNAP are involved in exocytosis, while the synaptic vesicle endocytosis is mediated by another protein (clathrin, AP-2, epsin, endophilin, amphiphysin, dynamin, synaptojanin, Hsc70). In recent years, data on critical role of various lipids in exo- and encocytosis are collected. Most interesting results are received about significance of the cholesterol, phosphoinositides, phosphatidic and polynonsaturated fat acids in the exo-endocytosis cycle. Participation of lipid rafts in synaptic vesicle recycling is discussed. In this article, the data of the last years, including the authors' own data about role of some lipids and lipid-modifying enzimes in processes of exo- and endocytosis are presented.

Sensitivity of intracellular calcium-binding sites for exo- and endocytosis of synaptic vesicles to Sr, Ba, and Mg ions

Experiments on frog cutaneous-thoracic muscle preparations using electrophysiological (intra- and extracellular recording of postsynaptic signals) and optical (confocal microscopy with the fluorescent endocytic stain FM 1-43) methods were performed to study neurotransmitter secretion and the processes of exo- and endocytosis of synaptic vesicles in motor nerve endings on substitution of extracellular Ca ions with other alkaline earth metals (Sr, Ba, or Mg). Massive asynchronous exocytosis was induced by high-potassium solution, while synchronous exocytosis was induced by prolonged high-frequency stimulation of the motor nerve. The calcium-binding site for asynchronous exocytosis was found to be sensitive to Sr, Ba, and Mg ions, while the site for synchronous exocytosis was only sensitive to Sr ions. During stimulation of both asynchronous and synchronous exocytosis, the calcium-binding site for endocytosis was sensitive to Sr and Ba ions and had the lowest affinity for Sr ions. These experiments led to the conclusion that different intracellular calcium-binding sites exist for the exocytosis and endocytosis of synaptic vesicles and that they have different sensitivities for alkaline earth metals.

Adenosine triphosphoric acid as a factor of nervous regulation of Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport in rat skeletal muscle fibers

Exogenous adenosine triphosphoric acid produces a biphasic effect on the resting membrane potential of muscle fibers in rat diaphragm. Depolarization of the sarcolemma observed 10 min after application of adenosine triphosphoric acid results from activation of Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) cotransport. The increase in chloride cotransport is related to activation of postsynaptic P2Y receptors and protein kinase C. Repolarization of the membrane develops 40 min after treatment with adenosine triphosphoric acid and after 50 min the resting membrane potential almost returns the control level. This increase in the resting membrane potential of the sarcolemma is probably associated with activation of the Na(+)/K(+) pump and increase in membrane permeability for chlorine ions in response to long-term activity of Cl(-) cotransport. Thus, adenosine triphosphoric acid co-secreted with acetylcholine in the neuromuscular synapse probably plays a role in the regulation resting membrane potential and cell volume of muscle fibers.

[The role of cholesterol in exo- and endocytosis of the synaptic vesicles at the frog motor nerve terminal]

In experiments on the frog neuro-muscular preparations using electrophysiological (two electrode fixing of potential) and optical (fluorescent endocytic dye FM1-43) methods, the value of surface cholestertol for exo-endocytic cycle of synaptic vesicles at the prolonged rhythmic activity (20 Hz--3 minutes) was investigated. It is shown that extraction of cholesterol from surface membranes by methyl-betta-cyclodextrin (1 mM MCD) leads to the expressed shifts in recycling of synaptic vesicles. Exocytosis of vesicles is decreased, and oppression of processes leading to restoration of the number of vesicles of ready releasable pool is observed. Cholesterol replacement from external membranes and membranes of recycling synaptic vesicles in addition to above described effects breaks processes of endocytosis and recycle of synaptic vesicles. Thus, in the processes of exocytosis, the key role is played by cholesterol of plasmatic membranes, and endocytosis critically depends on the amount of cholesterol in the membranes of synaptic vesicles.

Topography and affinity of calcium sensors of exo- and endocytosis in motor nerve terminals

Measurements with extracellular microelectrode technique showed that depolarization of motor nerve terminals in frog cutaneous pectoris muscle with high-potassium solution (40 mM K(+)) increased frequency of miniature end-plate currents. Both fast intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM and slow chelator EGTA-AM equally moderated the increase in the frequency of miniature end-plate currents. Intravital fluorescent microscopy with FM 1-43 dye showed that under conditions of stimulation of neurotransmitter exocytosis and secretion with high-potassium solution, internalization of the dye into newly-formed endocytotic synaptic vesicles proceeded both in the control and in the presence of EGTA-AM. In contrast, internalization of the dye was not observed in the presence of BAPTA-AM. It was concluded that asynchronous exocytosis of synaptic vesicles goes on in the active zones enriched with Ca-channels due to activation of high-affinity Ca-site in Ca-macrodomain. Endocytosis of vesicles is probably initiated by Ca-microdomain during activation of low-affinity Ca-site in the immediate proximity to the Ca channel.

[Sensitivity of intracellular calcium-binding sites of exo- and endocytosis of synaptic vesicles to Sr, Ba and Mg ions]

In the experiments on frog motor nerve endings made with electrophysiological (intra- and extracellular recording ofpostsynaptic sygnals) and optical (confocal microscopy with usage of fluorescent marker FM 1-43) approaches, transmitter release and exo-endocytosis of synaptic vesicles after replacement ofextracellular Ca ions by other alkaline earth metal ions (Sr, Ba, Mg) were studied. Massive asynchronous exocytosis with high potassium solution and evoked exocytosis with high-frequency rhythmic stimulation of motor nerve were initiated. It has been shown that the site of asynchronous exocytosis was sensitive to Ca, Sr, Ba and Mg ions whereas the site of evoked (synchronous) exocytosis--to Ca and Sr ions only. After stimulation either asynchronous or synchronous exocytosis site of endosytosis was found to be sensitive to Ca, Sr and Ba ions and possess the lowest affinity to Sr ions. It is concluded that there exist different intracellular calcium-binding sites for exocytosis and endocytosis that possess distinct sensitivity to alkaline earth metal ions.

Mechanisms of the facilitation of neurotransmitter secretion in strontium solutions

Experiments on frog neuromuscular synapses using extracellular microelectrode recording of endplate currents (EPC) and nerve ending (NE) responses were performed to study the mechanisms of facilitation of quantum secretion of acetylcholine on replacement of extracellular Ca ions with Sr ions. Solutions with a Ca ion concentration of 0.5 mM (calcium solutions) or a Sr ion concentration of 1 mM (strontium solutions) were used; the basal levels of neurotransmitter secretion (in conditions of low-frequency stimulation) were essentially identical. In calcium solutions, the drop in EPC facilitation on paired-pulse stimulation as the interimpulse interval was increased from 5 to 500 msec was described by the sum of three exponential components - the early, the first, and the second. In strontium solutions, facilitation was decreased as compared with the level in calcium solutions predominantly because of decreases in the early and first components. At the same time, EPC facilitation in conditions of rhythmic stimulation (10 or 50 impulses/sec) in strontium solution was significantly increased as compared with the level in calcium solutions. In strontium solutions in conditions of high-frequency stimulation at 50 impulses/sec, there was also a marked decrease in the amplitude of the third phase of the NE response, reflecting NE potassium currents. These data lead to the conclusion that the facilitation sites underlying the first and early components had lower affinities for Sr ions than for Ca ions. Increases in facilitation in strontium solutions in conditions of high-frequency rhythmic activity resulted from two mechanisms: more marked widening of the NE action potential and an increase in the divalent cation influx current due to weak activation of the Ca2+-dependent potassium current in the presence of Sr ions, as well as the slow dynamics of the removal of Sr ions from the NE axoplasm as compared with that in the presence of Ca ions.

The vesicle cycle in motor nerve endings of the mouse diaphragm

Experiments on the mouse diaphragm muscle using intracellular microelectrode recordings and fluorescence microscopy were performed to study the dynamics of transmitter secretion and synaptic vesicle recycling processes (the exocytosis-endocytosis cycle) in motor nerve endings (NE) during prolonged rhythmic stimulation (20 impulses/sec). During stimulation, there were triphasic changes in the amplitude of endplate potentials (EPP): an initial rapid reduction, followed by prolonged (1-2 min) stabilization of amplitude, i.e., a plateau, and then a further slow decrease. Restoration of EPP amplitude after stimulation for 3 min occurred over a period of several seconds. Loading of synaptic vesicles with the fluorescent endocytic stain FM1-43 showed that rhythmic stimulation led to a gradual (over 5-6 min) decrease in NE fluorescence, demonstrating exocytosis of synaptic vesicles. Quantum analysis of the electrophysiological data and comparison of these data with results from fluorescence studies suggested that mouse NE have a high rate of endocytosis and reutilization of synaptic vesicles (the mean recycling time was about 50 sec), which may support the maintenance of reliable synaptic transmission during prolonged high-frequency activity. The sizes of the release-ready and recycling pools of synaptic vesicles were determined quantitatively. It is suggested that vesicle recycling in mouse NE occurs via a short, rapid pathway with incorporation into the recycling pool. Vesicles of the reserve pool are not used for transmitter secretion in the stimulation conditions used here.

Ovalbumin-induced sensitization affects non-quantal acetylcholine release from motor nerve terminals and alters contractility of skeletal muscles in mice

Skeletal muscles play key roles in the development of various pathologies, including bronchial asthma and several types of auto-immune disorders, e.g. polymyositis. Since most of these maladies have an immunological/allergic element, this paper is devoted to assessing the impact of immunobiological reorganization on the functional properties of isolated skeletal muscles in mice. A combination of two methods (myography and electrophysiology) was used to evaluate extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and diaphragmatic muscle (DM) in this regard. Conventional myographic technique showed that ovalbumin-induced sensitization (OS) produced different changes in the contractile properties of EDL and DM. The amplitudes of carbachol (CCh)-induced contractions increased in DM but decreased in EDL. Those changes were inversely related to OS-mediated changes of non-quantal acetylcholine (ACh) release intensity within the muscle endplate, as shown by the electrophysiologically measured H-effect. These results clearly show that OS-mediated changes of non-quantal ACh release alter the functional properties of postjunctional ACh receptors and therefore contribute to the disturbance of CCh-induced contractility of skeletal muscles. Other mechanisms of OS-mediated changes of skeletal muscle contractility are also proposed and discussed.