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Bellingacci L, Canonichesi J, Sciaccaluga M, Megaro A, Mazzocchetti P, Di Mauro M, Costa C, Di Filippo M, Pettorossi VE, Tozzi A. Locally Synthetized 17-β-Estradiol Reverses Amyloid-β-42-Induced Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation Deficits. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1377. [PMID: 38338656 PMCID: PMC10855267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyloid beta 1-42 (Aβ42) aggregates acutely impair hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission, and 17β-estradiol is crucial for hippocampal LTP. We tested whether boosting the synthesis of neural-derived 17β-estradiol (nE2) saves hippocampal LTP by the neurotoxic action of Aβ42. Electrophysiological recordings were performed to measure dentate gyrus (DG) LTP in rat hippocampal slices. Using a pharmacological approach, we tested the ability of nE2 to counteract the LTP impairment caused by acute exposure to soluble Aβ42 aggregates. nE2 was found to be required for LTP in DG under physiological conditions. Blockade of steroid 5α-reductase with finasteride, by increasing nE2 synthesis from testosterone (T), completely recovered LTP in slices treated with soluble Aβ42 aggregates. Modulation of the glutamate N-methyl-D aspartate receptor (NMDAR) by memantine effectively rescued the LTP deficit observed in slices exposed to Aβ42, and memantine prevented LTP reduction observed under the blocking of nE2 synthesis. nE2 is able to counteract Aβ42-induced synaptic dysfunction. This effect depends on a rapid, non-genomic mechanism of action of nE2, which may share a common pathway with glutamate NMDAR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alessandro Tozzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06156 Perugia, Italy; (L.B.); (J.C.); (M.S.)
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2
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Bellingacci L, Canonichesi J, Mancini A, Parnetti L, Di Filippo M. Cytokines, synaptic plasticity and network dynamics: a matter of balance. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2569-2572. [PMID: 37449591 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.371344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The modern view of the immune system as a sensitizing and modulating machinery of the central nervous system is now well recognized. However, the specific mechanisms underlying this fine crosstalk have yet to be fully disentangled. To control cognitive function and behavior, the two systems are engaged in a subtle interacting act. In this scenario, a dual action of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the modulation of brain network connections is emerging. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are indeed required to express physiological plasticity in the hippocampal network while being detrimental when over-expressed during uncontrolled inflammatory processes. In this dynamic equilibrium, synaptic functioning and the performance of neural networks are ensured by maintaining an appropriate balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules in the central nervous system microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bellingacci
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Jacopo Canonichesi
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Mancini
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lucilla Parnetti
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Di Filippo
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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3
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Errico F, Gilio L, Mancini A, Nuzzo T, Bassi MS, Bellingacci L, Buttari F, Dolcetti E, Bruno A, Galifi G, Furlan R, Finardi A, Di Maio A, Di Filippo M, Centonze D, Usiello A. Cerebrospinal fluid, brain, and spinal cord levels of L-aspartate signal excitatory neurotransmission abnormalities in multiple sclerosis patients and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model. J Neurochem 2023. [PMID: 37332201 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The neuroinflammatory process characterizing multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with changes in excitatory synaptic transmission and altered central concentrations of the primary excitatory amino acid, L-glutamate (L-Glu). Recent findings report that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of L-Glu positively correlate with pro-inflammatory cytokines in MS patients. However, to date, there is no evidence about the relationship between the other primary excitatory amino acid, L-aspartate (L-Asp), its derivative D-enantiomer, D-aspartate, and the levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the CSF of MS. In the present study, we measured by HPLC the levels of these amino acids in the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and spinal cord of mice affected by experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Interestingly, in support of glutamatergic neurotransmission abnormalities in neuroinflammatory conditions, we showed reduced L-Asp levels in the cortex and spinal cord of EAE mice and increased D-aspartate/total aspartate ratio within the cerebellum and spinal cord of these animals. Additionally, we found significantly decreased CSF levels of L-Asp in both relapsing-remitting (n = 157) MS (RR-MS) and secondary progressive/primary progressive (n = 22) (SP/PP-MS) patients, compared to control subjects with other neurological diseases (n = 40). Importantly, in RR-MS patients, L-Asp levels were correlated with the CSF concentrations of the inflammatory biomarkers G-CSF, IL-1ra, MIP-1β, and Eotaxin, indicating that the central content of this excitatory amino acid, as previously reported for L-Glu, reflects a neuroinflammatory environment in MS. In keeping with this, we revealed that CSF L-Asp levels were positively correlated with those of L-Glu, highlighting the convergent variation of these two excitatory amino acids under inflammatory synaptopathy occurring in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Errico
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Portici, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate "Franco Salvatore", Naples, Italy
| | - Luana Gilio
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Faculty of Psychology, Uninettuno Telematic International University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Mancini
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Nuzzo
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate "Franco Salvatore", Naples, Italy
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Laura Bellingacci
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Roberto Furlan
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Finardi
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Di Maio
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate "Franco Salvatore", Naples, Italy
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Di Filippo
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate "Franco Salvatore", Naples, Italy
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
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4
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Menculini G, Mancini A, Gaetani L, Bellingacci L, Tortorella A, Parnetti L, Di Filippo M. Psychiatric symptoms in multiple sclerosis: a biological perspective on synaptic and network dysfunction. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2023; 94:389-395. [PMID: 36653171 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-329806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric symptoms frequently occur in multiple sclerosis (MS), presenting with a complex phenomenology that encompasses a large clinical spectrum from clear-cut psychiatric disorders up to isolated psychopathological manifestations. Despite their relevant impact on the overall disease burden, such clinical features are often misdiagnosed, receive suboptimal treatment and are not systematically evaluated in the quantification of disease activity. The development of psychiatric symptoms in MS underpins a complex pathogenesis involving both emotional reactions to a disabling disease and structural multifocal central nervous system damage. Here, we review MS psychopathological manifestations under a biological perspective, highlighting the pathogenic relevance of synaptic and neural network dysfunction. Evidence obtained from human and experimental disease models suggests that MS-related psychiatric phenomenology is part of a disconnection syndrome due to diffuse inflammatory and neurodegenerative brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Menculini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Mancini
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Gaetani
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Bellingacci
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alfonso Tortorella
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lucilla Parnetti
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Di Filippo
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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5
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Di Filippo M, Mancini A, Bellingacci L, Gaetani L, Mazzocchetti P, Zelante T, La Barbera L, De Luca A, Tantucci M, Tozzi A, Durante V, Sciaccaluga M, Megaro A, Chiasserini D, Salvadori N, Lisetti V, Portaccio E, Costa C, Sarchielli P, Amato MP, Parnetti L, Viscomi MT, Romani L, Calabresi P. Interleukin-17 affects synaptic plasticity and cognition in an experimental model of multiple sclerosis. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110094. [PMID: 34879272 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment (CI) is a disabling concomitant of multiple sclerosis (MS) with a complex and controversial pathogenesis. The cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is involved in the immune pathogenesis of MS, but its possible effects on synaptic function and cognition are still largely unexplored. In this study, we show that the IL-17A receptor (IL-17RA) is highly expressed by hippocampal neurons in the CA1 area and that exposure to IL-17A dose-dependently disrupts hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) through the activation of its receptor and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). During experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), IL-17A overexpression is paralleled by hippocampal LTP dysfunction. An in vivo behavioral analysis shows that visuo-spatial learning abilities are preserved when EAE is induced in mice lacking IL-17A. Overall, this study suggests a key role for the IL-17 axis in the neuro-immune cross-talk occurring in the hippocampal CA1 area and its potential involvement in synaptic dysfunction and MS-related CI.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal
- CA1 Region, Hippocampal/metabolism
- CA1 Region, Hippocampal/pathology
- CA1 Region, Hippocampal/physiopathology
- Cognition
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/physiopathology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/psychology
- Interleukin-17/genetics
- Interleukin-17/metabolism
- Long-Term Potentiation
- Male
- Mice, Biozzi
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Neuronal Plasticity
- Receptors, Interleukin-17/genetics
- Receptors, Interleukin-17/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Spatial Learning
- Synapses/metabolism
- Synapses/pathology
- p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Di Filippo
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Andrea Mancini
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Bellingacci
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Gaetani
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Petra Mazzocchetti
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Teresa Zelante
- Section of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Livia La Barbera
- Unit of Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Medicine, University Campus-Biomedico, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella De Luca
- Section of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Michela Tantucci
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tozzi
- Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Valentina Durante
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Miriam Sciaccaluga
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Megaro
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Davide Chiasserini
- Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Nicola Salvadori
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Viviana Lisetti
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Emilio Portaccio
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paola Sarchielli
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucilla Parnetti
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Viscomi
- Section of Histology and Embryology, Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigina Romani
- Section of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Section of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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6
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Mancini A, Bellingacci L, Sciaccaluga M, Megaro A, La Barbera L, Mazzocchetti P, Durante V, Chiasserini D, Gaetani L, Tozzi A, Costa C, Zelante T, Viscomi MT, Romani L, Parnetti L, Calabresi P, Di Filippo M. Interleukin-17 axis in the modulation of cortical and subcortical synaptic plasticity across disease stages in experimental multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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7
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Bellingacci L, Mancini A, Gaetani L, Tozzi A, Parnetti L, Di Filippo M. Synaptic Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis: A Red Thread from Inflammation to Network Disconnection. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189753. [PMID: 34575917 PMCID: PMC8469646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been clinically considered a chronic inflammatory disease of the white matter; however, in the last decade growing evidence supported an important role of gray matter pathology as a major contributor of MS-related disability and the involvement of synaptic structures assumed a key role in the pathophysiology of the disease. Synaptic contacts are considered central units in the information flow, involved in synaptic transmission and plasticity, critical processes for the shaping and functioning of brain networks. During the course of MS, the immune system and its diffusible mediators interact with synaptic structures leading to changes in their structure and function, influencing brain network dynamics. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the existing literature on synaptic involvement during experimental and human MS, in order to understand the mechanisms by which synaptic failure eventually leads to brain networks alterations and contributes to disabling MS symptoms and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bellingacci
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (L.B.); (A.M.); (L.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Andrea Mancini
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (L.B.); (A.M.); (L.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Lorenzo Gaetani
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (L.B.); (A.M.); (L.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Alessandro Tozzi
- Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Lucilla Parnetti
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (L.B.); (A.M.); (L.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Massimiliano Di Filippo
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (L.B.); (A.M.); (L.G.); (L.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-075-578-3830
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8
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Tozzi A, Sciaccaluga M, Loffredo V, Megaro A, Ledonne A, Cardinale A, Federici M, Bellingacci L, Paciotti S, Ferrari E, La Rocca A, Martini A, Mercuri NB, Gardoni F, Picconi B, Ghiglieri V, De Leonibus E, Calabresi P. Dopamine-dependent early synaptic and motor dysfunctions induced by α-synuclein in the nigrostriatal circuit. Brain 2021; 144:3477-3491. [PMID: 34297092 PMCID: PMC8677552 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein are specific features of Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases defined as synucleinopathies. Parkinson’s disease progression has been correlated with the formation and extracellular release of α-synuclein aggregates, as well as with their spread from neuron to neuron. Therapeutic interventions in the initial stages of Parkinson’s disease require a clear understanding of the mechanisms by which α-synuclein disrupts the physiological synaptic and plastic activity of the basal ganglia. For this reason, we identified two early time points to clarify how the intrastriatal injection of α-synuclein-preformed fibrils in rodents via retrograde transmission induces time-dependent electrophysiological and behavioural alterations. We found that intrastriatal α-synuclein-preformed fibrils perturb the firing rate of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, while the discharge of putative GABAergic cells of the substantia nigra pars reticulata is unchanged. The α-synuclein-induced dysregulation of nigrostriatal function also impairs, in a time-dependent manner, the two main forms of striatal synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation and long-term depression. We also observed an increased glutamatergic transmission measured as an augmented frequency of spontaneous excitatory synaptic currents. These changes in neuronal function in the substantia nigra pars compacta and striatum were observed before overt neuronal death occurred. In an additional set of experiments, we were able to rescue α-synuclein-induced alterations of motor function, striatal synaptic plasticity and increased spontaneous excitatory synaptic currents by subchronic treatment with l-DOPA, a precursor of dopamine widely used in the therapy of Parkinson’s disease, clearly demonstrating that a dysfunctional dopamine system plays a critical role in the early phases of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tozzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Miriam Sciaccaluga
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Loffredo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy.,Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology-CNR, 00015 Monterotondo scalo, Italy
| | - Alfredo Megaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Ada Ledonne
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuroscience, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Cardinale
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurophysiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Federici
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuroscience, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Bellingacci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvia Paciotti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Ferrari
- University of Milan, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonino La Rocca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology-CNR, 00015 Monterotondo scalo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Martini
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuroscience, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola B Mercuri
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuroscience, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gardoni
- University of Milan, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Picconi
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurophysiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, 00166 Rome, Italy.,Telematic University San Raffaele, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elvira De Leonibus
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology-CNR, 00015 Monterotondo scalo, Italy.,Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Neurological Clinic, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Università Cattolica del "Sacro Cuore", 00168 Rome, Italy
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9
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Tozzi A, Bellingacci L, Pettorossi VE. Rapid Estrogenic and Androgenic Neurosteroids Effects in the Induction of Long-Term Synaptic Changes: Implication for Early Memory Formation. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:572511. [PMID: 33192257 PMCID: PMC7653679 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.572511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting experimental evidence demonstrate that sex neuroactive steroids (neurosteroids) are essential for memory formation. Neurosteroids have a profound impact on the function and structure of neural circuits and their local synthesis is necessary for the induction of both long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission and for neural spine formation in different areas of the central nervous system (CNS). Several studies demonstrated that in the hippocampus, 17β-estradiol (E2) is necessary for inducing LTP, while 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is necessary for inducing LTD. This contribution has been proven by administering sex neurosteroids in rodent models and by using blocking agents of their synthesis or of their specific receptors. The general opposite role of sex neurosteroids in synaptic plasticity appears to be dependent on their different local availability in response to low or high frequency of synaptic stimulation, allowing the induction of bidirectional synaptic plasticity. The relevant contribution of these neurosteroids to synaptic plasticity has also been described in other brain regions involved in memory processes such as motor learning, as in the case of the vestibular nuclei, the cerebellum, and the basal ganglia, or as the emotional circuit of the amygdala. The rapid effects of sex neurosteroids on neural synaptic plasticity need the maintenance of a tonic or phasic local steroid synthesis determined by neural activity but might also be influenced by circulating hormones, age, and gender. To disclose the exact mechanisms how sex neurosteroids participate in finely tuning long-term synaptic changes and spine remodeling, further investigation is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tozzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Bellingacci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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10
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Mancini A, Mazzocchetti P, Sciaccaluga M, Megaro A, Bellingacci L, Beccano-Kelly DA, Di Filippo M, Tozzi A, Calabresi P. From Synaptic Dysfunction to Neuroprotective Strategies in Genetic Parkinson's Disease: Lessons From LRRK2. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:158. [PMID: 32848606 PMCID: PMC7399363 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is thought to rely on a complex interaction between the patient’s genetic background and a variety of largely unknown environmental factors. In this scenario, the investigation of the genetic bases underlying familial PD could unveil key molecular pathways to be targeted by new disease-modifying therapies, still currently unavailable. Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are responsible for the majority of inherited familial PD cases and can also be found in sporadic PD, but the pathophysiological functions of LRRK2 have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we will review the evidence obtained in transgenic LRRK2 experimental models, characterized by altered striatal synaptic transmission, mitochondrial dysfunction, and α-synuclein aggregation. Interestingly, the processes triggered by mutant LRRK2 might represent early pathological phenomena in the pathogenesis of PD, anticipating the typical neurodegenerative features characterizing the late phases of the disease. A comprehensive view of LRRK2 neuronal pathophysiology will support the possible clinical application of pharmacological compounds targeting this protein, with potential therapeutic implications for patients suffering from both familial and sporadic PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mancini
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Petra Mazzocchetti
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Miriam Sciaccaluga
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Megaro
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Bellingacci
- Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Dayne A Beccano-Kelly
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alessandro Tozzi
- Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Neuroscience Department, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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