Large cholinergic nerve terminals on subsets of motoneurons and their relation to muscarinic receptor type 2

Peptidergic modulation of motor neuron output via CART signaling at C bouton synapses

The intensity of muscle contraction, and therefore movement vigor, needs to be adaptable to enable complex motor behaviors. This can be achieved by adjusting the properties of motor neurons, which form the final common pathway for all motor output from the central nervous system. Here, we identify roles for a neuropeptide, cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), in the control of movement vigor. We reveal distinct but parallel mechanisms by which CART and acetylcholine, both released at C bouton synapses on motor neurons, selectively amplify the output of subtypes of motor neurons that are recruited during intense movement. We find that mice with broad genetic deletion of CART or selective elimination of acetylcholine from C boutons exhibit deficits in behavioral tasks that require higher levels of motor output. Overall, these data uncover spinal modulatory mechanisms that control movement vigor to support movements that require a high degree of muscle force.

Characteristics of Electrical Synapses, C-terminals and Small-conductance Ca2+ activated Potassium Channels in the Sexually Dimorphic Cremaster Motor Nucleus in Spinal Cord of Mouse and Rat

Sexually dimorphic motoneurons (MNs) located in lower lumbar spinal cord are involved in mating and reproductive behaviours and are known to be coupled by electrical synapses. The cremaster motor nucleus in upper lumbar spinal cord has also been suggested to support physiological processes associated with sexual behaviours in addition to its thermoregulatory and protective role in maintaining testes integrity. Using immunofluorescence approaches, we investigated whether cremaster MNs also exhibit features reflecting their potential for electrical synaptic communication and examined some of their other synaptic characteristics. Both mice and rats displayed punctate immunolabelling of Cx36 associated with cremaster MNs, indicative of gap junction formation. Transgenic mice with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter for connexin36 expression showed that subpopulations of cremaster MNs in both male and female mice express eGFP, with greater proportions of those in male mice. The eGFP+ MNs within the cremaster nucleus vs. eGFP- MNs inside and outside this nucleus displayed a 5-fold greater density of serotonergic innervation and exhibited a paucity of innervation by C-terminals arising from cholinergic V0c interneurons. All MNs within the cremaster motor nucleus displayed prominent patches of immunolabelling for SK3 (K+) channels around their periphery, suggestive of their identity as slow MNs, many though not all of which were in apposition to C-terminals. The results provide evidence for electrical coupling of a large proportion of cremaster MNs and suggest the existence of two populations of these MNs with possibly differential innervation of their peripheral target muscles serving different functions.

Cytoplasmic TDP-43 accumulation drives changes in C-bouton number and size in a mouse model of sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

An altered neuronal excitability of spinal motoneurones has consistently been implicated in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) leading to several investigations of synaptic input to these motoneurones. One such input that has repeatedly been shown to be affected is a population of large cholinergic synapses terminating mainly on the soma of the motoneurones referred to as C-boutons. Most research on these synapses during disease progression has used transgenic Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1) mouse models of the disease which have not only produced conflicting findings, but also fail to recapitulate the key pathological feature seen in ALS; cytoplasmic accumulations of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). Additionally, they fail to distinguish between slow and fast motoneurones, the latter of which have more C-boutons, but are lost earlier in the disease. To circumvent these issues, we quantified the frequency and volume of C-boutons on traced soleus and gastrocnemius motoneurones, representing predominantly slow and fast motor pools respectively. Experiments were performed using the TDP-43ΔNLS mouse model that carries a transgenic construct of TDP-43 devoid of its nuclear localization signal, preventing its nuclear import. This results in the emergence of pathological TDP-43 inclusions in the cytoplasm, modelling the main pathology seen in this disorder, accompanied by a severe and lethal ALS phenotype. Our results confirmed changes in both the number and volume of C-boutons with a decrease in number on the more vulnerable, predominantly fast gastrocnemius motoneurones and an increase in number on the less vulnerable, predominantly slow soleus motoneurones. Importantly, these changes were only found in male mice. However, both sexes and motor pools showed a decrease in C-bouton volume. Our experiments confirm that cytoplasmic TDP-43 accumulation is sufficient to drive C-bouton changes.

Small sensory spinal lesions that affect hand function in monkeys greatly alter primary afferent and motor neuron connections in the cord

Small sensory spinal injuries induce plasticity across the neuraxis, but little is understood about their effect on segmental connections or motor neuron (MN) function. Here, we begin to address this at two levels. First, we compared afferent input distributions from the skin and muscles of the digits with corresponding MN pools to determine their spatial relationship, in both the normal state and 4-6 months after a unilateral dorsal root/dorsal column lesion (DRL/DCL), affecting digits 1-3. Second, we looked at specific changes to MN inputs and membrane properties that likely impact functional recovery. Monkeys received a targeted unilateral DRL/DCL, and 4-6 months later, cholera toxin subunit B (CT-B) was injected bilaterally into either the distal pads of digits 1-3, or related intrinsic hand muscles, to label inputs to the cord, and corresponding MNs. In controls (unlesioned side), cutaneous and proprioceptive afferents from digits 1-3 showed different distribution patterns but similar rostrocaudal spread within the dorsal horn from C1 to T2. In contrast, MNs were distributed across just two segments (C7-8). Following the lesion, sensory inputs were significantly diminished across all 10 segments, though this did not alter MN distributions. Afferent and monoamine inputs, as well as KCC2 cotransporters, were also significantly altered on the cell membrane of CT-B labeled MNs postlesion. In contrast, inhibitory neurotransmission and perineuronal net integrity were not altered at this prechronic timepoint.  Our findings indicate that even a small sensory injury can significantly impact sensory and motor spinal neurons and provide new insight into the complex process of recovery.

On the Organization of Connexin36 Expression in Electrically Coupled Cholinergic V0c Neurons (Partition Cells) in the Spinal Cord and Their C-terminal Innervation of Motoneurons

Large cholinergic neurons (V0c neurons; aka, partition cells) in the spinal cord project profusely to motoneurons on which they form C-terminal contacts distinguished by their specialized postsynaptic subsurface cisterns (SSCs). The V0c neurons are known to be rhythmically active during locomotion and release of acetylcholine (ACh) from their terminals is known to modulate the excitability of motoneurons in what appears to be a task-dependent manner. Here, we present evidence that a subpopulation of V0c neurons express the gap junction forming protein connexin36 (Cx36), indicating that they are coupled by electrical synapses. Based on immunofluorescence imaging and the use of Cx36BAC-enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) mice in which C-terminals immunolabelled for their marker vesicular acetylcholine transporter (vAChT) are also labelled for eGFP, we found a heterogeneous distribution of eGFP+ C-terminals on motoneurons at cervical, thoracic and lumber spinal levels. The density of C-terminals on motoneurons varied as did the proportion of those that were eGFP+ vs. eGFP-. We present evidence that fast vs. slow motoneurons have a greater abundance of these terminals and fast motoneurons also have the highest density that were eGFP+. Thus, our results indicate that a subpopulation of V0c neurons projects preferentially to fast motoneurons, suggesting that the capacity for synchronous activity conferred by electrical synapses among networks of coupled V0c neurons enhances their dynamic capabilities for synchronous regulation of motoneuron excitability during high muscle force generation. The eGFP+ vs. eGFP- V0c neurons were more richly innervated by serotonergic terminals, suggesting their greater propensity for regulation by descending serotonergic systems.

Electrical Properties of Adult Mammalian Motoneurons

Motoneurons are the 'final common path' between the central nervous system (that intends, selects, commands, and organises movement) and muscles (that produce the behaviour). Motoneurons are not passive relays, but rather integrate synaptic activity to appropriately tune output (spike trains) and therefore the production of muscle force. In this chapter, we focus on studies of mammalian motoneurons, describing their heterogeneity whilst providing a brief historical account of motoneuron recording techniques. Next, we describe adult motoneurons in terms of their passive, transition, and active (repetitive firing) properties. We then discuss modulation of these properties by somatic (C-boutons) and dendritic (persistent inward currents) mechanisms. Finally, we briefly describe select studies of human motor unit physiology and relate them to findings from animal preparations discussed earlier in the chapter. This interphyletic approach to the study of motoneuron physiology is crucial to progress understanding of how these diverse neurons translate intention into behaviour.

Revisiting the sigma-1 receptor as a biological target to treat affective and cognitive disorders

Depression and cognitive disorders are diseases with complex and not-fully understood etiology. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased the prevalence of both conditions. Since the current treatments are inadequate in many patients, there is a constant need for discovering new compounds, which will be more effective in ameliorating depressive symptoms and treating cognitive decline. Proteins attracting much attention as potential targets for drugs treating these conditions are sigma-1 receptors. Sigma-1 receptors are multi-functional proteins localized in endoplasmic reticulum membranes, which play a crucial role in cellular signal transduction by interacting with receptors, ion channels, lipids, and kinases. Changes in their functions and expression may lead to various diseases, including depression or memory impairments. Thus, sigma-1 receptor modulation might be useful in treating these central nervous system diseases. Importantly, two sigma-1 receptor ligands entered clinical trials, showing that this compound group possesses therapeutic potential. Therefore, based on preclinical studies, this review discusses whether the sigma-1 receptor could be a promising target for drugs treating affective and cognitive disorders.

Morphological characterization of cholinergic partition cells: A transmitter-specific tracing study by Cre/lox-dependent viral gene expression

BACKGROUND

Partition cells are cholinergic interneurons located in lamina VII of the spinal cord. Some partition cells are the source of the cholinergic boutons, known as C-terminals or C-boutons, that modulate the activity of spinal motor neurons. Therefore, partition cells might play an important role in motor control. Previous studies categorized partition cells into three groups (medial, intermediate, and lateral partition cells) according to their distance from the central canal. However, the morphological characteristics of the three groups remain obscure.

METHODS

To analyze the morphology of partition cells, we developed an efficient technique for visualization of specific neurons at single-cell level in particular positions using adenovirus vectors and Cre/lox mediated recombination. Cre/lox conditional vectors were injected into the spinal cord of choline acetyltransferase-Cre transgenic mice, and partition cells labeled by green fluorescent protein were reconstructed from histological serial sections at the single-cell level.

RESULTS

This technique allowed for the visualization of partition cells at high resolution and revealed that partition cells had various patterns of dendrite orientations and fields. Most of the visualized partition cells had more than 60% of their dendrites located in lamina VII of the spinal cord. Partition cells had dendrites extending into various Rexed's laminae (V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X), but none of the cells had dendrites extending dorsal to lamina IV. The dendrites of partition cells terminated both ipsilaterally and bilaterally. We also found that C-terminals on motor neurons may be derived from the middle/outer group of partition cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that partition cells have various morphological features of the dendritic pattern and may receive differential inputs. Our results suggested that C-terminals originate not only from medial but also from intermediate/lateral cholinergic partition cells. The present study suggests that intermediate/lateral partition cells modulate activities of motor neurons through C-terminal synapses.

Heterogeneity in form and function of the rat extensor digitorum longus motor unit

The motor unit comprises a variable number of muscle fibres that connect through myelinated nerve fibres to a motoneuron (MN), the central drivers of activity. At the simplest level of organisation there exist phenotypically distinct MNs that activate corresponding muscle fibre types, but within an individual motor pool there typically exists a mixed population of fast and slow firing MNs, innervating groups of Type II and Type I fibres, respectively. Characterising the heterogeneity across multiple levels of motor unit organisation is critical to understanding changes that occur in response to physiological and pathological perturbations. Through a comprehensive assessment of muscle histology and ex vivo function, mathematical modelling and neuronal tracing, we demonstrate regional heterogeneities at the level of the MN, muscle fibre type composition and oxygen delivery kinetics of the rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle. Specifically, the EDL contains two phenotypically distinct regions: a relatively oxidative medial and a more glycolytic lateral compartment. Smaller muscle fibres in the medial compartment, in combination with a greater local capillary density, preserve tissue O₂ partial pressure (PO₂) during modelled activity. Conversely, capillary supply to the lateral compartment is calculated to be insufficient to defend active muscle PO₂ but is likely optimised to facilitate metabolite removal. Simulation of in vivo muscle length change and phasic activation suggest that both compartments are able to generate similar net power. However, retrograde tracing demonstrates (counter to previous observations) that a negative relationship between soma size and C‐bouton density exists. Finally, we confirm a lack of specificity of SK3 expression to slow MNs. Together, these data provide a reference for heterogeneities across the rat EDL motor unit and re‐emphasise the importance of sampling technique.

Acetylcholine and spinal locomotor networks: The insider

This article aims to review studies that have investigated the role of neurons that use the transmitter acetylcholine (ACh) in controlling the operation of locomotor neural networks within the spinal cord. This cholinergic system has the particularity of being completely intraspinal. We describe the different effects exerted by spinal cholinergic neurons on locomotor circuitry by the pharmacological activation or blockade of this propriospinal system, as well as describing its different cellular and subcellular targets. Through the activation of one ionotropic receptor, the nicotinic receptor, and five metabotropic receptors, the M1 to M5 muscarinic receptors, the cholinergic system exerts a powerful control both on synaptic transmission and locomotor network neuron excitability. Although tremendous advances have been made in our understanding of the spinal cholinergic system's involvement in the physiology and pathophysiology of locomotor networks, gaps still remain, including the precise role of the different subtypes of cholinergic neurons as well as their pre- and postsynaptic partners. Improving our knowledge of the propriospinal cholinergic system is of major relevance to finding new cellular targets and therapeutics in countering the debilitating effects of neurodegenerative diseases and restoring motor functions after spinal cord injury.

How Degeneration of Cells Surrounding Motoneurons Contributes to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motoneurons. Despite motoneuron death being recognized as the cardinal event of the disease, the loss of glial cells and interneurons in the brain and spinal cord accompanies and even precedes motoneuron elimination. In this review, we provide striking evidence that the degeneration of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, in addition to inhibitory and modulatory interneurons, disrupt the functionally coherent environment of motoneurons. We discuss the extent to which the degeneration of glial cells and interneurons also contributes to the decline of the motor system. This pathogenic cellular network therefore represents a novel strategic field of therapeutic investigation.

Responses evoked by electrical stimulation of the brainstem reticular formation in the jaw-opening and hypoglossal motor nerves of an arterially perfused rat preparation

The interneuronal system in the brainstem reticular formation plays an important role in elaborate muscle coordination during various orofacial motor behaviors. In this study, we examined the distribution in the brainstem reticular formation of the sites that induce monosynaptic motor activity in the mylohyoid (jaw-opening) and hypoglossal nerves using an arterially perfused rat preparation. Electrical stimulation applied to 286 and 247 of the 309 sites in the brainstem evoked neural activity in the mylohyoid and hypoglossal nerves, respectively. The mean latency of the first component in the mylohyoid nerve response was significantly shorter than that in the hypoglossal nerve response. Moreover, the latency histogram of the first component in the hypoglossal nerve responses was bimodal, which was separated by 4.0 ms. The sites that induced short-latency (<4.0 ms) motor activity in the mylohyoid nerve and the hypoglossal nerve were frequently distributed in the rostral portion and the caudal portion of the brainstem reticular formation, respectively. Such difference in distributions of short-latency sites for mylohyoid and hypoglossal nerve responses likely corresponds to the distribution of excitatory premotor neurons targeting mylohyoid and hypoglossal motoneurons.

Sigma 1 receptor as a therapeutic target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult disease causing a progressive loss of upper and lower motoneurons, muscle paralysis and early death. ALS has a poor prognosis of 3-5 years after diagnosis with no effective cure. The aetiopathogenic mechanisms involved include glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, protein misfolding, mitochondrial alterations, disrupted axonal transport and inflammation. Sigma non-opioid intracellular receptor 1 (sigma 1 receptor) is a protein expressed in motoneurons, mainly found in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) on the mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM) or in close contact with cholinergic postsynaptic sites. MAMs are sites that allow the assembly of several complexes implicated in essential survival cell functions. The sigma 1 receptor modulates essential mechanisms for motoneuron survival including excitotoxicity, calcium homeostasis, ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This review updates sigma 1 receptor mechanisms and its alterations in ALS, focusing on MAM modulation, which may constitute a novel target for therapeutic strategies. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc.

Altered Dynein Axonemal Assembly Factor 1 Expression in C-Boutons in Bulbar and Spinal Cord Motor-Neurons in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Dyneins are major components of microtubules. Dynein assembly is modulated by a heterogeneous group of dynein axonemal assembly factors (DNAAFs). The present study analyzes dynein axonemal assembly factor 1 (DNAAF1) and leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 50 (LRRC50), the corresponding encoded protein, in lower motor neurons in spinal cord of sALS postmortem samples and hSOD1-G93A transgenic mice compared with controls. DNAAF1 mRNA is significantly reduced in the anterior horn in sALS, and LRRC50 immunoreactivity is significantly reduced in C-boutons of the remaining motor neurons of the anterior horn, dorsal nucleus of the vagus nerve, and hypoglossal nuclei at terminal stages of ALS. LRRC50 immunoreactivity has a perinuclear distribution in motor neurons in sALS thus suggesting a disorder of transport. The number of LRRC50-/S1R-immunoreactive structures is also significantly decreased in hSOD1-G93A transgenic mice at the age of 90 days (preclinical stages), and the number of motor neurons with LRRC50-immunoreactive structures is significantly reduced in animals aged 150 days (clinical stages). These observations suggest cholinergic denervation of motor neurons as a pathogenic factor in motor neuron disease. LRRC50 protein levels were not detected in human CSF.

Motoneuronal Spinal Circuits in Degenerative Motoneuron Disease

The most evident phenotype of degenerative motoneuron disease is the loss of motor function which accompanies motoneuron death. In both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), it is now clear that dysfunction is not restricted to motoneurons but is manifest in the spinal circuits in which motoneurons are embedded. As mounting evidence shows that motoneurons possess more elaborate and extensive connections within the spinal cord than previously realized, it is necessary to consider the role of this circuitry and its dysfunction in the disease process. In this review article, we ask if the selective vulnerability of the different motoneuron types and the relative disease resistance of distinct motoneuron groups can be understood in terms of their intraspinal connections.

Synaptic mechanisms underlying modulation of locomotor-related motoneuron output by premotor cholinergic interneurons

Spinal motor networks are formed by diverse populations of interneurons that set the strength and rhythmicity of behaviors such as locomotion. A small cluster of cholinergic interneurons, expressing the transcription factor Pitx2, modulates the intensity of muscle activation via 'C-bouton' inputs to motoneurons. However, the synaptic mechanisms underlying this neuromodulation remain unclear. Here, we confirm in mice that Pitx2+ interneurons are active during fictive locomotion and that their chemogenetic inhibition reduces the amplitude of motor output. Furthermore, after genetic ablation of cholinergic Pitx2+ interneurons, M2 receptor-dependent regulation of the intensity of locomotor output is lost. Conversely, chemogenetic stimulation of Pitx2+ interneurons leads to activation of M2 receptors on motoneurons, regulation of Kv2.1 channels and greater motoneuron output due to an increase in the inter-spike afterhyperpolarization and a reduction in spike half-width. Our findings elucidate synaptic mechanisms by which cholinergic spinal interneurons modulate the final common pathway for motor output.

The Y172 Monoclonal Antibody Against p-c-Jun (Ser63) Is a Marker of the Postsynaptic Compartment of C-Type Cholinergic Afferent Synapses on Motoneurons

C-bouton-type cholinergic afferents exert an important function in controlling motoneuron (MN) excitability. During the immunocytochemical analysis of the role of c-Jun in MNs with a monoclonal (clone Y172) antibody against phospho (p)-c-Jun (serine [Ser]63), unexpected labeling was identified in the cell body cytoplasm. As predicted for c-Jun in adult spinal cord, very few, if any MNs exhibited nuclear immunoreactivity with the Y172 antibody; conversely, virtually all MNs displayed strong Y172 immunostaining in cytoplasmic structures scattered throughout the soma and proximal dendrites. The majority of these cytoplasmic Y172-positive profiles was closely associated with VAChT-positive C-boutons, but not with other types of nerve afferents contacting MNs. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that cytoplasmic Y172 immunostaining was selectively located at the subsurface cistern (SSC) of C-boutons and also in the inner areas of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We also described changes in cytoplasmic Y172 immunoreactivity in injured and degenerating MNs. Moreover, we noticed that MNs from NRG1 type III-overexpressing transgenic mice, which show abnormally expanded SSCs, exhibited an increase in the density and size of peripherally located Y172-positive profiles. A similar immunocytochemical pattern to that of the Y172 antibody in MNs was found with a polyclonal antibody against p-c-Jun (Ser63) but not with another polyclonal antibody that recognizes c-Jun phosphorylated at a different site. No differential band patterns were found by western blotting with any of the antibodies against c-Jun or p-c-Jun used in our study. In cultured MNs, Y172-positive oval profiles were distributed in the cell body and proximal dendrites. The in vitro lentiviral-based knockdown of c-Jun resulted in a dramatic decrease in nuclear Y172 immunostaining in MNs without any reduction in the density of cytoplasmic Y172-positive profiles, suggesting that the synaptic antigen recognized by the antibody corresponds to a C-bouton-specific protein other than p-c-Jun. Our results lay the foundation for further studies aimed at identifying this protein and determining its role in this particular type of synapse.

TRPM8-mediated cutaneous stimulation modulates motor neuron activity during treadmill stepping in mice

Motor units are generally recruited from the smallest to the largest following the size principle, while cutaneous stimulation has the potential to affect spinal motor control. We aimed to examine the effects of stimulating transient receptor potential channel sub-family M8 (TRPM8) combined with exercise on the modulation of spinal motor neuron (MN) excitability. Mice were topically administrated 1.5% icilin on the hindlimbs, followed by treadmill stepping. Spinal cord sections were immunostained with antibodies against c-fos and choline acetyltransferase. Icilin stimulation did not change the number of c-fos+ MNs, but increased the average soma size of the c-fos+ MNs during low-speed treadmill stepping. Furthermore, icilin stimulation combined with stepping increased c-fos+ cholinergic interneurons near the central canal, which are thought to modulate MN excitability. These findings suggest that TRPM8-mediated cutaneous stimulation with low-load exercise promotes preferential recruitment of large MNs and is potentially useful as a new training method for rehabilitation.

Balanced cholinergic modulation of spinal locomotor circuits via M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors

Neuromodulation ensures that neural circuits produce output that is flexible whilst remaining within an optimal operational range. The neuromodulator acetylcholine is released during locomotion to regulate spinal motor circuits. However, the range of receptors and downstream mechanisms by which acetylcholine acts have yet to be fully elucidated. We therefore investigated metabotropic acetylcholine receptor-mediated modulation by using isolated spinal cord preparations from neonatal mice in which locomotor-related output can be induced pharmacologically. We report that M2 receptor blockade decreases the frequency and amplitude of locomotor-related activity, whilst reducing its variability. In contrast, M3 receptor blockade destabilizes locomotor-related bursting. Motoneuron recordings from spinal cord slices revealed that activation of M2 receptors induces an outward current, decreases rheobase, reduces the medium afterhyperpolarization, shortens spike duration and decreases synaptic inputs. In contrast, M3 receptor activation elicits an inward current, increases rheobase, extends action potential duration and increases synaptic inputs. Analysis of miniature postsynaptic currents support that M2 and M3 receptors modulate synaptic transmission via different mechanisms. In summary, we demonstrate that M2 and M3 receptors have opposing modulatory actions on locomotor circuit output, likely reflecting contrasting cellular mechanisms of action. Thus, intraspinal cholinergic systems mediate balanced, multimodal control of spinal motor output.

Early pre- and postsynaptic decrease in glutamatergic and cholinergic signaling after spinalization is not modified when stimulating proprioceptive input to the ankle extensor α-motoneurons: Anatomical and neurochemical study

Alpha-motoneurons (MNs) innervating ankle extensor muscles show reduced peripheral inputs from Ia proprioceptive afferents and cholinergic afferents after chronic spinalization (SCT). That phenomenon is not observed on ankle flexor MNs, indicating a smaller vulnerability of the latter MNs circuit to SCT. Locomotor training of spinal rats which partially restored those inputs to extensor MNs tended to hyper innervate flexor MNs, disclosing a need for selective approaches. In rats with intact spinal cord 7-days of low-threshold proprioceptive stimulation of the tibial nerve enriched glutamatergic Ia and cholinergic innervation of lateral gastrocnemius (LG) MNs, suggesting usefulness of selective stimulation for restoration of inputs to extensor MNs after SCT. Accordingly, to examine its effectiveness after SCT, tibial nerves and soleus muscles were implanted bilaterally, and for MN identification fluorescence tracers to LG and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were injected two weeks prior to spinalization. Stimulation of tibial nerve, controlled by H-reflex recorded in the soleus muscle, started on the third post-SCT day and continued for 7 days. Nine days post-SCT the number and volume of glutamatergic Ia and of cholinergic C-boutons on LG MNs was decreased, but stimulation affected neither of them. Postsynaptically, a threefold decrease of NMDAR NR1 subunit and thirtyfold decrease of M2 muscarinic receptor transcripts caused by SCT were not counteracted by stimulation, whereas a threefold decrease of AMPAR GluR2 subunit tended to deepen after stimulation. We conclude that LG MNs, supported with proprioceptive stimuli after SCT, do not transcribe the perceived cues into compensatory response at the transcriptional level in the early post-SCT period.

Postnatal development of persistent inward currents in rat XII motoneurons and their modulation by serotonin, muscarine and noradrenaline

KEY POINTS

Persistent inward currents (PICs) in spinal motoneurons are long-lasting, voltage-dependent currents that increase excitability; they are dramatically potentiated by serotonin, muscarine, and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). Loss of these modulators (and the PIC) during sleep is hypothesized as a major contributor to REM sleep atonia. Reduced excitability of XII motoneurons that drive airway muscles and maintain airway patency is causally implicated in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), but whether XII motoneurons possess a modulator-sensitive PIC that could be a factor in the reduced airway tone of sleep is unknown. Whole-cell recordings from rat XII motoneurons in brain slices indicate that PIC amplitude increases ∼50% between 1 and 23 days of age, when potentiation of the PIC by 5HT₂ , muscarinic, or α₁ noradrenergic agonists peaks at <50%, manyfold lower than the potentiation observed in spinal motoneurons. α₁ noradrenergic receptor activation produced changes in XII motoneuron firing behaviour consistent with PIC involvement, but indicators of strong PIC activation were never observed; in vivo experiments are needed to determine the role of the modulator-sensitive PIC in sleep-dependent reductions in airway tone.

ABSTRACT

Hypoglossal (XII) motoneurons play a key role in maintaining airway patency; reductions in their excitability during sleep through inhibition and disfacilitation, i.e. loss of excitatory modulation, is implicated in obstructive sleep apnoea. In spinal motoneurons, 5HT₂ , muscarinic and α₁ noradrenergic modulatory systems potentiate persistent inward currents (PICs) severalfold, dramatically increasing excitability. If the PICs in XII and spinal motoneurons are equally sensitive to modulation, loss of the PIC secondary to reduced modulatory tone during sleep could contribute to airway atonia. Modulatory systems also change developmentally. We therefore characterized developmental changes in magnitude of the XII motoneuron PIC and its sensitivity to modulation by comparing, in neonatal (P1-4) and juvenile (P14-23) rat brainstem slices, the PIC elicited by slow voltage ramps in the absence and presence of agonists for 5HT₂ , muscarinic, and α₁ noradrenergic receptors. XII motoneuron PIC amplitude increased developmentally (from -195 ± 12 to -304 ± 19 pA). In neonatal XII motoneurons, the PIC was only potentiated by α₁ receptor activation (5 ± 4%). In contrast, all modulators potentiated the juvenile XII motoneurons PIC (5HT₂ , 5 ± 5%; muscarine, 22 ± 11%; α₁ , 18 ± 5%). These data suggest that the influence of the PIC and its modulation on XII motoneuron excitability will increase with postnatal development. Notably, the modulator-induced potentiation of the PIC in XII motoneurons was dramatically smaller than the 2- to 6-fold potentiation reported for spinal motoneurons. In vivo measurements are required to determine if the modulator-sensitive, XII motoneuron PIC is an important factor in sleep-state dependent reductions in airway tone.

Localization and dynamic changes of neuregulin-1 at C-type synaptic boutons in association with motor neuron injury and repair

C-type synaptic boutons (C-boutons) provide cholinergic afferent input to spinal cord motor neurons (MNs), which display an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-related subsurface cistern (SSC) adjacent to their postsynaptic membrane. A constellation of postsynaptic proteins is clustered at C-boutons, including M2 muscarinic receptors, potassium channels, and σ-1 receptors. In addition, we previously found that neuregulin (NRG)1 is associated with C-boutons at postsynaptic SSCs, whereas its ErbB receptors are located in the presynaptic compartment. C-bouton-mediated regulation of MN excitability has been implicated in MN disease, but NRG1-mediated functions and the impact of various pathologic conditions on C-bouton integrity have not been studied in detail. Here, we investigated changes in C-boutons after electrical stimulation, pharmacological treatment, and peripheral nerve axotomy. SSC-linked NRG1 clusters were severely disrupted in acutely stressed MNs and after tunicamycin-induced ER stress. In axotomized MNs, C-bouton loss occurred in concomitance with microglial recruitment and was prevented by the ER stress inhibitor salubrinal. Activated microglia displayed a positive chemotaxis to C-boutons. Analysis of transgenic mice overexpressing NRG1 type I and type III isoforms in MNs indicated that NRG1 type III acts as an organizer of SSC-like structures, whereas NRG1 type I promotes synaptogenesis of presynaptic cholinergic terminals. Moreover, MN-derived NRG1 signals may regulate the activity of perineuronal microglial cells. Together, these data provide new insights into the molecular and cellular pathology of C-boutons in MN injury and suggest that distinct NRG1 isoform-mediated signaling functions regulate the complex matching between pre- and postsynaptic C-bouton elements.-Salvany, S., Casanovas, A., Tarabal, O., Piedrafita, L., Hernández, S., Santafé, M., Soto-Bernardini, M. C., Calderó, J., Schwab, M. H., Esquerda, J. E. Localization and dynamic changes of neuregulin-1 at C-type synaptic boutons in association with motor neuron injury and repair.

Pitx2 cholinergic interneurons are the source of C bouton synapses on brainstem motor neurons

Cholinergic neuromodulation has been described throughout the brain and has been implicated in various functions including attention, food intake and response to stress. Cholinergic modulation is also thought to be important for regulating motor systems, as revealed by studies of large cholinergic synapses on spinal motor neurons, called C boutons, which seem to control motor neuron excitability in a task-dependent manner. C boutons on spinal motor neurons stem from spinal interneurons that express the transcription factor Pitx2. C boutons have also been identified on the motor neurons of specific cranial nuclei. However, the source and roles of cranial C boutons are less clear. Previous studies suggest that they originate from Pitx2+ and Pitx2- neurons, in contrast to spinal cord C boutons that originate solely from Pitx2 neurons. Here, we address this controversy using mouse genetics, and demonstrate that brainstem C boutons are Pitx2+ derived. We also identify new Pitx2 populations and map the cholinergic Pitx2 neurons of the mouse brain. Taken together, our data present important new information about the anatomical organization of cholinergic systems which impact motor systems of the brainstem. These findings will enable further analyses of the specific roles of cholinergic modulation in motor control.

Neuroanatomical Basis of State-Dependent Activity of Upper Airway Muscles

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related respiratory disorder that is associated with cognitive, cardiovascular, and metabolic morbidities. The major cause of OSA is the sleep-related reduction of upper airway muscle tone that leads to airway obstructions in individuals with anatomically narrow upper airway. This reduction is mainly due to the suppressant effect of sleep on hypoglossal motoneurons that innervate upper airway muscles. The hypoglossal motoneurons have state-dependent activity, which is decreased during the transition from wakefulness to non-rapid eye movement sleep and is further suppressed during rapid eye movement sleep. Multiple neurotransmitters and their receptors have been implicated in the control of hypoglossal motoneuron activity across the sleep-wake states. However, to date, the results of the rigorous testing show that withdrawal of noradrenergic excitation and cholinergic inhibition essentially contribute to the depression of hypoglossal motoneuron activity during sleep. The present review will focus on origins of noradrenergic and cholinergic innervation of hypoglossal motoneurons and the functional role of these neurons in the state-dependent activity of hypoglossal motoneurons.

Botulinum Neurotoxin Application to the Severed Femoral Nerve Modulates Spinal Synaptic Responses to Axotomy and Enhances Motor Recovery in Rats

Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are known for their ability to influence synaptic inputs to neurons. Here, we tested if these drugs can modulate the deafferentation of motoneurons following nerve section/suture and, as a consequence, modify the outcome of peripheral nerve regeneration. We applied drug solutions to the proximal stump of the freshly cut femoral nerve of adult rats to achieve drug uptake and transport to the neuronal perikarya. The most marked effect of this application was a significant reduction of the axotomy-induced loss of perisomatic cholinergic terminals by BoNT at one week and two months post injury. The attenuation of the synaptic deficit was associated with enhanced motor recovery of the rats 2–20 weeks after injury. Although BDNF also reduced cholinergic terminal loss at 1 week, it had no effect on this parameter at two months and no effect on functional recovery. These findings strengthen the idea that persistent partial deafferentation of axotomized motoneurons may have a significant negative impact on functional outcome after nerve injury. Intraneural application of drugs may be a promising way to modify deafferentation and, thus, elucidate relationships between synaptic plasticity and restoration of function.

Glial Activation and Central Synapse Loss, but Not Motoneuron Degeneration, Are Prevented by the Sigma-1 Receptor Agonist PRE-084 in the Smn2B/- Mouse Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is characterized by the loss of α-motoneurons (MNs) with concomitant muscle denervation. MN excitability and vulnerability to disease are particularly regulated by cholinergic synaptic afferents (C-boutons), in which Sigma-1 receptor (Sig1R) is concentrated. Alterations in Sig1R have been associated with MN degeneration. Here, we investigated whether a chronic treatment with the Sig1R agonist PRE-084 was able to exert beneficial effects on SMA. We used a model of intermediate SMA, the Smn2B/- mouse, in which we performed a detailed characterization of the histopathological changes that occur throughout the disease. We report that Smn2B/- mice exhibited qualitative differences in major alterations found in mouse models of severe SMA: Smn2B/- animals showed more prominent MN degeneration, early motor axon alterations, marked changes in sensory neurons, and later MN deafferentation that correlated with conspicuous reactive gliosis and altered neuroinflammatory M1/M2 microglial balance. PRE-084 attenuated reactive gliosis, mitigated M1/M2 imbalance, and prevented MN deafferentation in Smn2B/- mice. These effects were also observed in a severe SMA model, the SMNΔ7 mouse. However, the prevention of gliosis and MN deafferentation promoted by PRE-084 were not accompanied by any improvements in clinical outcome or other major pathological changes found in SMA mice.

Confocal Synaptology: Synaptic Rearrangements in Neurodegenerative Disorders and upon Nervous System Injury

The nervous system is a notable exception to the rule that the cell is the structural and functional unit of tissue systems and organs. The functional unit of the nervous system is the synapse, the contact between two nerve cells. As such, synapses are the foci of investigations of nervous system organization and function, as well as a potential readout for the progression of various disorders of the nervous system. In the past decade the development of antibodies specific to presynaptic terminals has enabled us to assess, at the optical, laser scanning microscopy level, these subcellular structures, and has provided a simple method for the quantification of various synapses. Indeed, excitatory (glutamatergic) and inhibitory synapses can be visualized using antibodies against the respective vesicular transporters, and choline-acetyl transferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity identifies cholinergic synapses throughout the central nervous system. Here we review the results of several studies in which these methods were used to estimate synaptic numbers as the structural equivalent of functional outcome measures in spinal cord and femoral nerve injuries, as well as in genetic mouse models of neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The results implicate disease- and brain region-specific changes in specific types of synapses, which correlate well with the degree of functional deficit caused by the disease process. Additionally, results are reproducible between various studies and experimental paradigms, supporting the reliability of the method. To conclude, this quantitative approach enables fast and reliable estimation of the degree of the progression of neurodegenerative changes and can be used as a parameter of recovery in experimental models.

Spinal cholinergic interneurons differentially control motoneuron excitability and alter the locomotor network operational range

While cholinergic neuromodulation is important for locomotor circuit operation, the specific neuronal mechanisms that acetylcholine employs to regulate and fine-tune the speed of locomotion are largely unknown. Here, we show that cholinergic interneurons are present in the zebrafish spinal cord and differentially control the excitability of distinct classes of motoneurons (slow, intermediate and fast) in a muscarinic dependent manner. Moreover, we reveal that m2-type muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are present in fast and intermediate motoneurons, but not in the slow motoneurons, and that their activation decreases neuronal firing. We also reveal a strong correlation between the muscarinic receptor configuration on motoneurons and the ability of the animals to locomote at different speeds, which might serve as a plasticity mechanism to alter the operational range of the locomotor networks. These unexpected findings provide new insights into the functional flexibility of motoneurons and how they execute locomotion at different speeds.

Cell Adhesion Molecule Close Homolog of L1 (CHL1) Guides the Regrowth of Regenerating Motor Axons and Regulates Synaptic Coverage of Motor Neurons

The close homolog of L1 (CHL1) is a cell adhesion molecule involved in regulation of neuronal differentiation and survival, neurite outgrowth and axon guidance during development. In the mature nervous system, CHL1 regulates synaptic activity and plasticity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of CHL1 on peripheral nerve regeneration after trauma. Using the established model of mouse femoral nerve regeneration, CHL1 knock-out mice were investigated in comparison to the wild type littermates. First, non-injured mice of both genotypes were compared regarding the synaptic phenotypes in the corresponding spinal cord segment. While no differences in phenotypes were detectable in the femoral nerve, corresponding segments in the spinal cord were observed to differ in that inhibitory perisomatic innervation of motor neurons was increased in CHL1-deficient mice, and numbers of perisomatic cholinergic synapses on motor neuronal somata were reduced. Regarding the femoral nerve after injury, CHL1-deficient mice demonstrated preferential motor axon regrowth into the saphenous vs. quadriceps branch after nerve transection upstream of the nerve bifurcation by 8 weeks after transection, indicating decreased preferential motor re-innervation. Furthermore, in injured wild-type mice, enhanced CHL1 expression was observed in regenerating axons in the proximal nerve stump upstream of the bifurcation at days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14, and in the distal stump at days 7 and 14 after injury, when compared to non-injured mice. Injury-related upregulation of CHL1 expression was more pronounced in axons than in Schwann cells. Despite a more pronounced capacity for preferential motor axon regrowth in wild-type vs. mutant mice, only a tendency for difference in recovery of motor functions was observed between genotypes, without statistical significance Taken together, these results indicate that CHL1 is involved in peripheral nerve regeneration, because it guides regrowing axons into the appropriate nerve branch and regulates synaptic coverage in the spinal cord.

Diversity of molecularly defined spinal interneurons engaged in mammalian locomotor pattern generation

Mapping the expression of transcription factors in the mouse spinal cord has identified ten progenitor domains, four of which are cardinal classes of molecularly defined, ventrally located interneurons that are integrated in the locomotor circuitry. This review focuses on the properties of these interneuronal populations and their contribution to hindlimb locomotor central pattern generation. Interneuronal populations are categorized based on their excitatory or inhibitory functions and their axonal projections as predictors of their role in locomotor rhythm generation and coordination. The synaptic connectivity and functions of these interneurons in the locomotor central pattern generators (CPGs) have been assessed by correlating their activity patterns with motor output responses to rhythmogenic neurochemicals and sensory and descending fibers stimulations as well as analyzing kinematic gait patterns in adult mice. The observed complex organization of interneurons in the locomotor CPG circuitry, some with seemingly similar physiological functions, reflects the intricate repertoire associated with mammalian motor control and is consistent with high transcriptional heterogeneity arising from cardinal interneuronal classes. This review discusses insights derived from recent studies to describe innovative approaches and limitations in experimental model systems and to identify missing links in current investigational enterprise.

SK channel inhibition mediates the initiation and amplitude modulation of synchronized burst firing in the spinal cord

Burst firing in motoneurons represents the basis for generating meaningful movements. Neuromodulators and inhibitory receptor blocker cocktails have been used for years to induce burst firing in vitro; however, the ionic mechanisms in the motoneuron membrane that contribute to burst initiation and amplitude modulation are not fully understood. Small conductance Ca²⁺-activated potassium (SK) channels regulate excitatory inputs and firing output of motoneurons and interneurons and therefore, are a candidate for mediating bursting behavior. The present study examines the role of SK channels in the generation of synchronized bursting using an in vitro spinal cord preparation from adult mice. Our results show that SK channel inhibition is required for both initiation and amplitude modulation of burst firing. Specifically, administration of the synaptic inhibition blockers strychnine and picrotoxin amplified the spinal circuit excitatory drive but not enough to evoke bursting. However, when SK channels were inhibited using various approaches, the excitatory drive was further amplified, and synchronized bursting was always evoked. Furthermore, graded SK channel inhibition modulated the amplitude of the burst in a dose-dependent manner, which was reversed using SK channel activators. Importantly, modulation of neuronal excitability using multiple approaches failed to mimic the effects of SK modulators, suggesting a specific role for SK channel inhibition in generating bursting. Both NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) and AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate) receptors were found to drive the synchronized bursts. The blocking of gap junctions did not disturb the burst synchrony. These results demonstrate a novel mechanistic role for SK channels in initiating and modulating burst firing of spinal motoneurons.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that cholinergic inhibition or direct blockade of small conductance Ca²⁺-activated potassium (SK) channels facilitates burst firing in spinal motoneurons. The data provide a novel mechanistic explanation for synchronized bursting initiation and amplitude modulation through SK channel inhibition. Evidence also shows that synchronized bursting is driven by NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) and AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate) receptors and that gap junctions do not mediate motoneuron synchronization in this behavior.

Homeostatic regulation through GABA and acetylcholine muscarinic receptors of motor trigeminal neurons following sleep deprivation

Muscle tone is regulated across sleep-wake states, being maximal in waking, reduced in slow wave sleep (SWS) and absent in paradoxical or REM sleep (PS or REMS). Such changes in tone have been recorded in the masseter muscles and shown to correspond to changes in activity and polarization of the trigeminal motor 5 (Mo5) neurons. The muscle hypotonia and atonia during sleep depend in part on GABA acting upon both GABA_A and GABA_B receptors (Rs) and acetylcholine (ACh) acting upon muscarinic 2 (AChM2) Rs. Here, we examined whether Mo5 neurons undergo homeostatic regulation through changes in these inhibitory receptors following prolonged activity with enforced waking. By immunofluorescence, we assessed that the proportion of Mo5 neurons positively stained for GABA_ARs was significantly higher after sleep deprivation (SD, ~65%) than sleep control (SC, ~32%) and that the luminance of the GABA_AR fluorescence was significantly higher after SD than SC and sleep recovery (SR). Although, all Mo5 neurons were positively stained for GABA_BRs and AChM2Rs (100%) in all groups, the luminance of these receptors was significantly higher following SD as compared to SC and SR. We conclude that the density of GABA_A, GABA_B and AChM2 receptors increases on Mo5 neurons during SD. The increase in these receptors would be associated with increased inhibition in the presence of GABA and ACh and thus a homeostatic down-scaling in the excitability of the Mo5 neurons after prolonged waking and resulting increased susceptibility to muscle hypotonia or atonia along with sleep.

Neuregulin 1-ErbB module in C-bouton synapses on somatic motor neurons: molecular compartmentation and response to peripheral nerve injury

The electric activity of lower motor neurons (MNs) appears to play a role in determining cell-vulnerability in MN diseases. MN excitability is modulated by cholinergic inputs through C-type synaptic boutons, which display an endoplasmic reticulum-related subsurface cistern (SSC) adjacent to the postsynaptic membrane. Besides cholinergic molecules, a constellation of proteins involved in different signal-transduction pathways are clustered at C-type synaptic sites (M2 muscarinic receptors, Kv2.1 potassium channels, Ca2+ activated K+ [SK] channels, and sigma-1 receptors [S1R]), but their collective functional significance so far remains unknown. We have previously suggested that neuregulin-1 (NRG1)/ErbBs-based retrograde signalling occurs at this synapse. To better understand signalling through C-boutons, we performed an analysis of the distribution of C-bouton-associated signalling proteins. We show that within SSC, S1R, Kv2.1 and NRG1 are clustered in highly specific, non-overlapping, microdomains, whereas ErbB2 and ErbB4 are present in the adjacent presynaptic compartment. This organization may define highly ordered and spatially restricted sites for different signal-transduction pathways. SSC associated proteins are disrupted in axotomised MNs together with the activation of microglia, which display a positive chemotactism to C-bouton sites. This indicates that C-bouton associated molecules are also involved in neuroinflammatory signalling in diseased MNs, emerging as new potential therapeutic targets.

Sigma-1 Receptor in Motoneuron Disease

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS ) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting spinal cord and brain motoneurons , leading to paralysis and early death. Multiple etiopathogenic mechanisms appear to contribute in the development of ALS , including glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress , protein misfolding, mitochondrial defects, impaired axonal transport, inflammation and glial cell alterations. The Sigma-1 receptor is highly expressed in motoneurons of the spinal cord, particularly enriched in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) at postsynaptic cisternae of cholinergic C-terminals. Several evidences point to participation of Sigma-1R alterations in motoneuron degeneration. Thus, mutations of the transmembrane domain of the Sigma-1R have been described in familial ALS cases. Interestingly, Sigma-1R KO mice display muscle weakness and motoneuron loss. On the other hand, Sigma-1R agonists promote neuroprotection and neurite elongation through activation of protein kinase C on motoneurons in vitro and in vivo after ventral root avulsion. Remarkably, treatment of SOD1 mice, the most usual animal model of ALS , with Sigma-1R agonists resulted in significantly enhanced motoneuron function and preservation, and increased animal survival. Sigma-1R activation also reduced microglial reactivity and increased the glial expression of neurotrophic factors. Two main interconnected mechanisms seem to underlie the effects of Sigma-1R manipulation on motoneurons: modulation of neuronal excitability and regulation of calcium homeostasis. In addition, Sigma-1R also contributes to regulating protein degradation, and reducing oxidative stress. Therefore, the multi-functional nature of the Sigma-1R represents an attractive target for treating aspects of ALS and other motoneuron diseases .

Electrical Stimulation of Low-Threshold Proprioceptive Fibers in the Adult Rat Increases Density of Glutamatergic and Cholinergic Terminals on Ankle Extensor α-Motoneurons

The effects of stimulation of low-threshold proprioceptive afferents in the tibial nerve on two types of excitatory inputs to α-motoneurons were tested. The first input is formed by glutamatergic Ia sensory afferents contacting monosynaptically α-motoneurons. The second one is the cholinergic input originating from V0_c—interneurons, located in lamina X of the spinal cord, modulating activity of α-motoneurons via C-terminals. Our aim was to clarify whether enhancement of signaling to ankle extensor α-motoneurons, via direct electrical stimulation addressed predominantly to low-threshold proprioceptive fibers in the tibial nerve of awake rats, will affect Ia glutamatergic and cholinergic innervation of α-motoneurons of lateral gastrocnemius (LG). LG motoneurons were identified with True Blue tracer injected intramuscularly. Tibial nerve was stimulated for 7 days with continuous bursts of three pulses applied in four 20 min sessions daily. The Hoffmann reflex and motor responses recorded from the soleus muscle, LG synergist, allowed controlling stimulation. Ia terminals and C-terminals abutting on LG-labeled α-motoneurons were detected by immunofluorescence (IF) using input-specific anti- VGLUT1 and anti-VAChT antibodies, respectively. Quantitative analysis of confocal images revealed that the number of VGLUT1 IF and VAChT IF terminals contacting the soma of LG α-motoneurons increased after stimulation by 35% and by 26%, respectively, comparing to the sham-stimulated side. The aggregate volume of VGLUT1 IF and VAChT IF terminals increased by 35% and by 30%, respectively. Labeling intensity of boutons was also increased, suggesting an increase of signaling to LG α-motoneurons after stimulation. To conclude, one week of continuous burst stimulation of proprioceptive input to LG α-motoneurons is effective in enrichment of their direct glutamatergic but also indirect cholinergic inputs. The effectiveness of such and longer stimulation in models of injury is a prerequisite to propose it as a therapeutic method to improve inputs to selected group of α-motoneurons after damage.

Competition with Primary Sensory Afferents Drives Remodeling of Corticospinal Axons in Mature Spinal Motor Circuits

Injury to the mature motor system drives significant spontaneous axonal sprouting instead of axon regeneration. Knowing the circuit-level determinants of axonal sprouting is important for repairing motor circuits after injury to achieve functional rehabilitation. Competitive interactions are known to shape corticospinal tract axon outgrowth and withdrawal during development. Whether and how competition contributes to reorganization of mature spinal motor circuits is unclear. To study this question, we examined plastic changes in corticospinal axons in response to two complementary proprioceptive afferent manipulations: (1) enhancing proprioceptive afferents activity by electrical stimulation; or (2) diminishing their input by dorsal rootlet rhizotomy. Experiments were conducted in adult rats. Electrical stimulation produced proprioceptive afferent sprouting that was accompanied by significant corticospinal axon withdrawal and a decrease in corticospinal connections on cholinergic interneurons in the medial intermediate zone and C boutons on motoneurons. In contrast, dorsal rootlet rhizotomy led to a significant increase in corticospinal connections, including those on cholinergic interneurons; C bouton density increased correspondingly. Motor cortex-evoked muscle potentials showed parallel changes to those of corticospinal axons, suggesting that reciprocal corticospinal axon changes are functional. Using the two complementary models, we showed that competitive interactions between proprioceptive and corticospinal axons are an important determinant in the organization of mature corticospinal axons and spinal motor circuits. The activity- and synaptic space-dependent properties of the competition enables prediction of the remodeling of spared corticospinal connection and spinal motor circuits after injury and informs the target-specific control of corticospinal connections to promote functional recovery.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Neuroplasticity is limited in maturity, but it is promoted after injury. Axons of the major descending motor pathway for motor skills, the corticospinal tract (CST), sprout after brain or spinal cord injury. This contributes to spontaneous spinal motor circuit repair and partial motor recovery. Knowing the determinants that enhance this plasticity is critical for functional rehabilitation. Here we examine the remodeling of CST axons directed by sensory fibers. We found that the CST projection is regulated dynamically in maturity by the competitive, activity-dependent actions of sensory fibers. Knowledge of the properties of this competition enables prediction of the remodeling of CST connections and spinal circuits after injury and informs ways to engineer target-specific control of CST connections to promote recovery.

Age-Related Changes in Pre- and Postsynaptic Partners of the Cholinergic C-Boutons in Wild-Type and SOD1G93A Lumbar Motoneurons

Large cholinergic synaptic terminals known as C-boutons densely innervate the soma and proximal dendrites of motoneurons that are prone to neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Studies using the Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) mouse model of ALS have generated conflicting data regarding C-bouton alterations exhibited during ALS pathogenesis. In the present work, a longitudinal study combining immunohistochemistry, biochemical approaches and extra- and intra-cellular electrophysiological recordings revealed that the whole spinal cholinergic system is modified in the SOD1 mouse model of ALS compared to wild type (WT) mice as early as the second postnatal week. In WT motoneurons, both C-bouton terminals and associated M2 postsynaptic receptors presented a complex age-related dynamic that appeared completely disrupted in SOD1 motoneurons. Indeed, parallel to C-bouton morphological alterations, analysis of confocal images revealed a clustering process of M2 receptors during WT motoneuron development and maturation that was absent in SOD1 motoneurons. Our data demonstrated for the first time that the lamina X cholinergic interneurons, the neuronal source of C-boutons, are over-abundant in high lumbar segments in SOD1 mice and are subject to neurodegeneration in the SOD1 animal model. Finally, we showed that early C-bouton system alterations have no physiological impact on the cholinergic neuromodulation of newborn motoneurons. Altogether, these data suggest a complete reconfiguration of the spinal cholinergic system in SOD1 spinal networks that could be part of the compensatory mechanisms established during spinal development.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Current perspectives from basic research to the clinic

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motoneurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis, and finally death. Considerable recent advances have been made in basic research and preclinical therapeutic attempts using experimental models, leading to increasing clinical and translational research in the context of this disease. In this review we aim to summarize the most relevant findings from a variety of aspects about ALS, including evaluation methods, animal models, pathophysiology, and clinical findings, with particular emphasis in understanding the role of every contributing mechanism to the disease for elucidating the causes underlying degeneration of motoneurons and the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Neural transcriptome reveals molecular mechanisms for temporal control of vocalization across multiple timescales

Background

Vocalization is a prominent social behavior among vertebrates, including in the midshipman fish, an established model for elucidating the neural basis of acoustic communication. Courtship vocalizations produced by territorial males are essential for reproductive success, vary over daily and seasonal cycles, and last up to hours per call. Vocalizations rely upon extreme synchrony and millisecond precision in the firing of a homogeneous population of motoneurons, the vocal motor nucleus (VMN). Although studies have identified neural mechanisms driving rapid, precise, and stable neuronal firing over long periods of calling, little is known about underlying genetic/molecular mechanisms.

Results

We used RNA sequencing-based transcriptome analyses to compare patterns of gene expression in VMN to the surrounding hindbrain across three daily and seasonal time points of high and low sound production to identify candidate genes that underlie VMN’s intrinsic and network neuronal properties. Results from gene ontology enrichment, enzyme pathway mapping, and gene category-wide expression levels highlighted the importance of cellular respiration in VMN function, consistent with the high energetic demands of sustained vocal behavior. Functionally important candidate genes upregulated in the VMN, including at time points corresponding to high natural vocal activity, encode ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors, hormone receptors and biosynthetic enzymes, neuromodulators, aerobic respiration enzymes, and antioxidants. Quantitative PCR and RNA-seq expression levels for 28 genes were significantly correlated. Many candidate gene products regulate mechanisms of neuronal excitability, including those previously identified in VMN motoneurons, as well as novel ones that remain to be investigated. Supporting evidence from previous studies in midshipman strongly validate the value of transcriptomic analyses for linking genes to neural characters that drive behavior.

Conclusions

Transcriptome analyses highlighted a suite of molecular mechanisms that regulate vocalization over behaviorally relevant timescales, spanning milliseconds to hours and seasons. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive characterization of gene expression in a dedicated vocal motor nucleus. Candidate genes identified here may belong to a conserved genetic toolkit for vocal motoneurons facing similar energetic and neurophysiological demands.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1577-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Distinct limb and trunk premotor circuits establish laterality in the spinal cord

Movement coordination between opposite body sides relies on neuronal circuits capable of controlling muscle contractions according to motor commands. Trunk and limb muscles engage in distinctly lateralized behaviors, yet how regulatory spinal circuitry differs is less clear. Here, we intersect virus technology and mouse genetics to unravel striking distribution differences of interneurons connected to functionally distinct motor neurons. We find that premotor interneurons conveying information to axial motor neurons reside in symmetrically balanced locations while mostly ipsilateral premotor interneurons synapse with limb-innervating motor neurons, especially those innervating more distal muscles. We show that observed distribution differences reflect specific premotor interneuron subpopulations defined by genetic and neurotransmitter identity. Synaptic input across the midline reaches axial motor neurons preferentially through commissural axon arborization, and to a lesser extent, through midline-crossing dendrites capturing contralateral synaptic input. Together, our findings provide insight into principles of circuit organization underlying weighted lateralization of movement.

Cholinergic mechanisms in spinal locomotion-potential target for rehabilitation approaches

Previous experiments implicate cholinergic brainstem and spinal systems in the control of locomotion. Our results demonstrate that the endogenous cholinergic propriospinal system, acting via M₂ and M₃ muscarinic receptors, is capable of consistently producing well-coordinated locomotor activity in the in vitro neonatal preparation, placing it in a position to contribute to normal locomotion and to provide a basis for recovery of locomotor capability in the absence of descending pathways. Tests of these suggestions, however, reveal that the spinal cholinergic system plays little if any role in the induction of locomotion, because MLR-evoked locomotion in decerebrate cats is not prevented by cholinergic antagonists. Furthermore, it is not required for the development of stepping movements after spinal cord injury, because cholinergic agonists do not facilitate the appearance of locomotion after spinal cord injury, unlike the dramatic locomotion-promoting effects of clonidine, a noradrenergic α-2 agonist. Furthermore, cholinergic antagonists actually improve locomotor activity after spinal cord injury, suggesting that plastic changes in the spinal cholinergic system interfere with locomotion rather than facilitating it. Changes that have been observed in the cholinergic innervation of motoneurons after spinal cord injury do not decrease motoneuron excitability, as expected. Instead, the development of a “hyper-cholinergic” state after spinal cord injury appears to enhance motoneuron output and suppress locomotion. A cholinergic suppression of afferent input from the limb after spinal cord injury is also evident from our data, and this may contribute to the ability of cholinergic antagonists to improve locomotion. Not only is a role for the spinal cholinergic system in suppressing locomotion after SCI suggested by our results, but an obligatory contribution of a brainstem cholinergic relay to reticulospinal locomotor command systems is not confirmed by our experiments.

Swimming against the tide: investigations of the C-bouton synapse

C-boutons are important cholinergic modulatory loci for state-dependent alterations in motoneuron firing rate. m2 receptors are concentrated postsynaptic to C-boutons, and m2 receptor activation increases motoneuron excitability by reducing the action potential afterhyperpolarization. Here, using an intensive review of the current literature as well as data from our laboratory, we illustrate that C-bouton postsynaptic sites comprise a unique structural/functional domain containing appropriate cellular machinery (a “signaling ensemble”) for cholinergic regulation of outward K⁺ currents. Moreover, synaptic reorganization at these critical sites has been observed in a variety of pathologic states. Yet despite recent advances, there are still great challenges for understanding the role of C-bouton regulation and dysregulation in human health and disease. The development of new therapeutic interventions for devastating neurological conditions will rely on a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie these complex synapses. Therefore, to close this review, we propose a comprehensive hypothetical mechanism for the cholinergic modification of α-MN excitability at C-bouton synapses, based on findings in several well-characterized neuronal systems.

A Fab fragment directed against the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 enhances functional recovery after injury of the adult mouse spinal cord

A recombinant monovalent Fab fragment recognizing a functional epitope within the third fibronectin type III domain of murine cell adhesion molecule L1 induces neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival in vitro and enhances functional recovery after spinal cord injury in mice.

Neuregulin-1 is concentrated in the postsynaptic subsurface cistern of C-bouton inputs to α-motoneurons and altered during motoneuron diseases

C boutons are large, cholinergic, synaptic terminals that arise from local interneurons and specifically contact spinal α-motoneurons (MNs). C boutons characteristically display a postsynaptic specialization consisting of an endoplasmic reticulum-related subsurface cistern (SSC) of unknown function. In the present work, by using confocal microscopy and ultrastructural immunolabeling, we demonstrate that neuregulin-1 (NRG1) accumulates in the SSC of mouse spinal MNs. We also show that the NRG1 receptors erbB2 and erbB4 are presynaptically localized within C boutons, suggesting that NRG1-based retrograde signaling may occur in this type of synapse. In most of the cranial nuclei, MNs display the same pattern of NRG1 distribution as that observed in spinal cord MNs. Conversely, MNs in oculomotor nuclei, which are spared in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), lack both C boutons and SSC-associated NRG1. NRG1 in spinal MNs is developmentally regulated and depends on the maintenance of nerve-muscle interactions, as we show after nerve transection experiments. Changes in NRG1 in C boutons were also investigated in mouse models of MN diseases: i.e., spinal muscular atrophy (SMNΔ7) and ALS (SOD1(G93A)). In both models, a transient increase in NRG1 in C boutons occurs during disease progression. These data increase our understanding of the role of C boutons in MN physiology and pathology.