Maternal hyperhomocysteinemia increases seizures susceptibility of neonatal rats

AIMS

Neonatal seizures are severe pathologies which may result in long-term neurological consequences. High plasma concentrations of homocysteine - hyperhomocysteinemia (hHCy) - are associated with epilepsy. In the present study, we evaluated susceptibility to seizure of neonatal rats with prenatal hHCy.

MAIN METHODS

Prenatal hHCy was induced by feeding females with a high-methionine diet. Experiments were performed on pups during the first three postnatal weeks. Flurothyl-induced epileptic behavior was assessed according to Racine's scale. Epileptiform activity in the hippocampus was recorded using electrophysiological methods. The balance of excitation/inhibition, functional GABAergic inhibition and GABA reversal potential in hippocampal neurons were analyzed.

KEY FINDINGS

Rats with hHCy developed more severe stages of behavioral patterns during flurothyl-induced epilepsy with shorter latency. Electrophysiological recordings demonstrated higher background neuronal activity in rats with hHCy. Seizure-like events triggered by flurothyl (in vivo) or 4-aminopyridine (in vitro) showed shorter latency, higher power and amplitude. An increased glutamate/GABA synaptic ratio was shown in the pyramidal neurons of rats with hHCy and more slices demonstrated excitation by isoguvacine, a selective GABA(A) receptor agonist, during the first and second postnatal weeks. The GABA driving force and the reversal potential of GABA(A) currents were more positive during the second postnatal week for hHCy rats.

SIGNIFICANCE

The higher susceptibility to seizures in rats with prenatal hHCy due to a shift in the balance of excitation/inhibition toward excitation may underlie the clinical evidence about the association of hHCy with an increased risk of epilepsy.

Role of Cyclic Nucleotides in the Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide on Contractions of Rat Jejunum

We studied the role of cyclic nucleotides in the influence of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) donor, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, 200 μM), on motor activity of rat jejunum. NaHS reduced spontaneous and carbachol-induced contractions of rat jejunum segment, which suggests that H₂S can act through mechanisms involving muscarinic receptor activation. Against the background of a membrane-penetrating non-hydrolyzable cAMP analogue or under conditions of adenylate cyclase blockade, the inhibitory effect of NaHS on the carbachol-induced contractions was maintained. Against the background of elevated cGMP concentration or guanylate cyclase inhibition, the reduction of carbachol-induced contractions upon exposure to NaHS was less pronounced than in control. It was hypothesized that H₂S induces relaxation of carbachol-induced jejunum contractions, affecting protein kinase G targets or activating cGMP synthesis.

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.

Gamma oscillations in the somatosensory cortex of newborn rats

Here we addressed a question of whether gamma oscillations previously described in the whisker-related barrel cortex are a universal pattern of activity in the somatosensory cortex of newborn rats. Intracortical recording of local field potentials and action potentials in neurons using multisite silicon electrodes in 2-7-day-old rats showed that mechanical stimulation of single fingers or specific areas on the plantar or back side of the foot evoked early gamma oscillations followed by spindle-burst oscillations in the corresponding regions of the somatosensory cortex. Early gamma oscillations had maximum amplitude in layer IV of the somatosensory cortex and effectively synchronized action potentials in layer IV neurons. It was concluded that early gamma oscillations evoked by activation of the topographic sensory input are a universal activity pattern of the entire somatosensory cortex of newborn rats.

[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.

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.

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.

[Vesicle cycle in mouse diaphragm motor nerve terminals]

In our research on mouse diaphragm muscles the dynamic of neurotransmitter secretion and synaptic vesicles recycling (exo-endocytosis cycle) at the long-term rhythmic stimulation (20Hz) are explored using an intracellular microelectrode registration and a fluorescent microscopy. It have been shown, thate change of end plant potentials (EPP) amplitude at the rhythmic training occurs in three phases: initial transient decrease, long amplitude stabilization (1-2 min)--the plateau and secondary slow decrease. After 3 minute stimulations the EPP amplitude recovery observed during several seconds. Loading the synaptic vesicle by fluorescent endocytic dye FM 1-43 had shown that the rhythmic stimulation results to gradual (during 5-6 mines) fluorescence decrease in NT, indicating the synaptic vesicle exocytosis. The quantum analysis of the electrophysiological data and their comparison to the fluorescent researches date has allowed to assume, that mouse motor nerve terminals are characterized by high rate of endocytosis and fast synaptic vesicle reuse (average recycling time about 50 sec) that can provide effective maintenance of synaptic transmission at long high-frequency activity. Sizes of ready releasable and recycling synaptic vesicle pools are quantitatively determined. It is assumed, that vesicle recycling occurs on a short fast way to inclusion in recycling pool. So, in the stimulation protocol that were used the synaptic vesicles from reserve pool remain unused. Thus in our conditions recycling pool vesicles cycle repeatedly without reserve pool release.

[Gaseous messengers in the nervous system]

Nitric oxide is the first gaseous messenger whose functions were comprehensively studied in different systems of organism. Recently, new data on the physiological role of other endogenous gases: carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide, appeared. The role of gases in gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system have been established; however, data on their function and mechanisms of action in nervous system are insufficient. This article highlights the current information on the role of gaseous messengers in central and peripheral nervous system.

The presynaptic effects of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 at the frog neuromuscular junction

Arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 decreased the frequency of miniature endplate potentials with producing any changes in the their amplitude-time parameters. Arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 decreased the quantum composition of endplate currents and the amplitude of the third phase of the nerve ending response, which reflects currents though potential-dependent K+ channels. A perineural method was used to demonstrate that arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 suppressed the nerve ending Ca2+ current. The cyclooxygenase blocker indomethacin increased neurotransmitter secretion and decreased the third phase of the nerve ending response. The effects of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 on evoked neurotransmitter release were not seen in the presence of indomethacin, while the third phase of the response continued to show a reduction. It is suggested that prostaglandin E2 mediates the effects of arachidonic acid on spontaneous and evoked neurotransmitter secretion, Ca2+ currents, and Ca2+ -dependent K+ currents. In addition, arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 had their own effects on potential-dependent K+ currents in nerve endings.

[Presynaptic effects of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 in the frog neuromuscular synapse]

Arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 decreased the frequency of miniature endplate currents without changing their amplitude-temporary parameters. They also reduced the evoked transmitter release and the amplitude of the 3rd phase of nerve ending response corresponding to the voltage-dependent K(+)-current. Using perineural recording, It was shown that arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 decreased the Ca2+ currents of nerve endings. Indometacin: inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, enhanced the evoked transmitter release and decreased the 3rd phase of nerve ending response. Indometacin prevented the effects of arachidonic acid on evoked transmitter release, whereas the effects of arachidonic acid on the 3rd phase was preserved. Prostaglandin E2 seems to mediate the effects of arachidonic acid on spontaneous and evoked transmitter release, Ca(2+)- and Ca(2+)-activated K(+)-currents. Moreover, the arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2 exerted their own effects upon voltage-dependent potassium current of motor nerve ending.

[Analysis of living motor nerve ending of a frog by endocytotic fluorescent marker FM 1-43]

In our experiments on motor nerve endings of the frog cutaneous pectoris muscle, using fluorescent marker FM 1-43, the intensity and topography of endocytosis were investigated after the initiation of massive exocytosis of synaptic vesicles by increasing the extracellular potassium concentration. Using FM 1-43, fluorescent spots were shown to appear, looking as accumulations of synaptic vesicles in the active zone region. The forms and sizes of luminous spots and the distances between them were analysed. Considerable variations in brightness and total areas of fluorescent spots per a length unit in different regions of the nerve ending were revealed in addition to a proximal-distal gradient of these parameters along the nerve terminal. Peculiarities of topography and intensities of luminescence in the most terminal regions of the nerve ending are described. The obtained data are discussed in terms of the exo- and endocytosis cycle of synaptic vesicles in the active zone region, and from the point of view of the plasticity of the motor nerve ending and active zones. The factors involved in the transmitter release nonuniformity are analysed.

[Ion channels in nerve ending]

The modern data about the structure and function of the nerve ending ion channels are generalized and systematized. Ion channels of nerve endings provide the forming of the rest membrane potential, excitability, generation of action potential, regulate the intracellular concentration of calcium ions, take part in exocytosis of synaptic vesicules, participate in short-term and long-term synaptic plasticity, ensure the modulation of presynaptic functions. Methods of investigation of ion channels and data about their localization in central and peripheral nerve systems are represented. The review gives the functional characteristics, molecular structure and mechanisms of regulation of the known voltage- and ligand-dependent ion channels, the role of the certain types of ion channels in the machinery of transmitter release.

Effect of phenol on the ion currents of frog nerve ending

The effect of phenol on the transmitter release was studied at the neuromuscular junction of a frog cutaneous pectoris muscle using the extracellular microelectrode technique. It was shown that phenol (0.5 mM) enlarged the quantal content of the end-plate currents (EPCs), and it caused the increase of duration of the second negative and third positive phases of the triphasic response observed experimentally. The amplitude of the third phase (outward K+ current) decreased, and one of the second phase was unchanged. The effect of phenol remained in the presence of the Ca(2+)-channel blockers (Co2+, Mn2+), and disappeared in the presence of the tetraethylammonium (TEA) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). The results suggest that phenol changes the kinetics of the voltage-dependent K+ current, which is one of the mechanisms of the phenol facilitating effect at the synaptic transmission.

[The effect of phenol on the ion currents of the frog motor nerve ending]

Phenol was shown to enhance the quantum content of the end-plate currents and to increase the duration of the nerve ending response. The effect could be abolished by the potassium channel blockers. The data obtained suggest that alteration of the kinetics of the potential-dependent potassium current of the nerve terminal is one of the mechanisms of the phenol facilitating effect on neuro-muscular transmission.