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Lee CJ, Lee SH, Kang BS, Park MK, Yang HW, Woo SY, Park SW, Kim DY, Jeong HH, Yang WI, Kho AR, Choi BY, Song HK, Choi HC, Kim YJ, Suh SW. Effects of L-Type Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel (LTCC) Inhibition on Hippocampal Neuronal Death after Pilocarpine-Induced Seizure. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:389. [PMID: 38671837 PMCID: PMC11047745 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy, marked by abnormal and excessive brain neuronal activity, is linked to the activation of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (LTCCs) in neuronal membranes. LTCCs facilitate the entry of calcium (Ca2+) and other metal ions, such as zinc (Zn2+) and magnesium (Mg2+), into the cytosol. This Ca2+ influx at the presynaptic terminal triggers the release of Zn2+ and glutamate to the postsynaptic terminal. Zn2+ is then transported to the postsynaptic neuron via LTCCs. The resulting Zn2+ accumulation in neurons significantly increases the expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunits, contributing to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and neuronal death. Amlodipine (AML), typically used for hypertension and coronary artery disease, works by inhibiting LTCCs. We explored whether AML could mitigate Zn2+ translocation and accumulation in neurons, potentially offering protection against seizure-induced hippocampal neuronal death. We tested this by establishing a rat epilepsy model with pilocarpine and administering AML (10 mg/kg, orally, daily for 7 days) post-epilepsy onset. We assessed cognitive function through behavioral tests and conducted histological analyses for Zn2+ accumulation, oxidative stress, and neuronal death. Our findings show that AML's LTCC inhibition decreased excessive Zn2+ accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and hippocampal neuronal death following seizures. These results suggest amlodipine's potential as a therapeutic agent in seizure management and mitigating seizures' detrimental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Jun Lee
- Department of Physiology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea; (C.-J.L.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-S.K.); (M.-K.P.); (H.-W.Y.); (S.-Y.W.); (S.-W.P.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.-H.J.); (W.-I.Y.)
| | - Song-Hee Lee
- Department of Physiology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea; (C.-J.L.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-S.K.); (M.-K.P.); (H.-W.Y.); (S.-Y.W.); (S.-W.P.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.-H.J.); (W.-I.Y.)
| | - Beom-Seok Kang
- Department of Physiology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea; (C.-J.L.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-S.K.); (M.-K.P.); (H.-W.Y.); (S.-Y.W.); (S.-W.P.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.-H.J.); (W.-I.Y.)
| | - Min-Kyu Park
- Department of Physiology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea; (C.-J.L.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-S.K.); (M.-K.P.); (H.-W.Y.); (S.-Y.W.); (S.-W.P.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.-H.J.); (W.-I.Y.)
| | - Hyun-Wook Yang
- Department of Physiology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea; (C.-J.L.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-S.K.); (M.-K.P.); (H.-W.Y.); (S.-Y.W.); (S.-W.P.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.-H.J.); (W.-I.Y.)
| | - Seo-Young Woo
- Department of Physiology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea; (C.-J.L.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-S.K.); (M.-K.P.); (H.-W.Y.); (S.-Y.W.); (S.-W.P.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.-H.J.); (W.-I.Y.)
| | - Se-Wan Park
- Department of Physiology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea; (C.-J.L.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-S.K.); (M.-K.P.); (H.-W.Y.); (S.-Y.W.); (S.-W.P.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.-H.J.); (W.-I.Y.)
| | - Dong-Yeon Kim
- Department of Physiology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea; (C.-J.L.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-S.K.); (M.-K.P.); (H.-W.Y.); (S.-Y.W.); (S.-W.P.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.-H.J.); (W.-I.Y.)
| | - Hyun-Ho Jeong
- Department of Physiology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea; (C.-J.L.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-S.K.); (M.-K.P.); (H.-W.Y.); (S.-Y.W.); (S.-W.P.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.-H.J.); (W.-I.Y.)
| | - Won-Il Yang
- Department of Physiology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea; (C.-J.L.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-S.K.); (M.-K.P.); (H.-W.Y.); (S.-Y.W.); (S.-W.P.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.-H.J.); (W.-I.Y.)
- Department of Physical Education, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea;
| | - A-Ra Kho
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Bo-Young Choi
- Department of Physical Education, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hong-Ki Song
- Department of Neurology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul 05355, Republic of Korea; (H.-K.S.); (Y.-J.K.)
- Hallym Institute of Epilepsy Research, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hui-Chul Choi
- Hallym Institute of Epilepsy Research, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Neurology, Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon 24253, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeo-Jin Kim
- Department of Neurology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul 05355, Republic of Korea; (H.-K.S.); (Y.-J.K.)
| | - Sang-Won Suh
- Department of Physiology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea; (C.-J.L.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-S.K.); (M.-K.P.); (H.-W.Y.); (S.-Y.W.); (S.-W.P.); (D.-Y.K.); (H.-H.J.); (W.-I.Y.)
- Hallym Institute of Epilepsy Research, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea;
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2
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Little HJ. L-Type Calcium Channel Blockers: A Potential Novel Therapeutic Approach to Drug Dependence. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:127-154. [PMID: 34663686 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This review describes interactions between compounds, primarily dihydropyridines, that block L-type calcium channels and drugs that cause dependence, and the potential importance of these interactions. The main dependence-inducing drugs covered are alcohol, psychostimulants, opioids, and nicotine. In preclinical studies, L-type calcium channel blockers prevent or reduce important components of dependence on these drugs, particularly their reinforcing actions and the withdrawal syndromes. The channel blockers also reduce the development of tolerance and/or sensitization, and they have no intrinsic dependence liability. In some instances, their effects include reversal of brain changes established during drug dependence. Prolonged treatment with alcohol, opioids, psychostimulant drugs, or nicotine causes upregulation of dihydropyridine binding sites. Few clinical studies have been carried out so far, and reports are conflicting, although there is some evidence of effectiveness of L-channel blockers in opioid withdrawal. However, the doses of L-type channel blockers used clinically so far have necessarily been limited by potential cardiovascular problems and may not have provided sufficient central levels of the drugs to affect neuronal dihydropyridine binding sites. New L-type calcium channel blocking compounds are being developed with more selective actions on subtypes of L-channel. The preclinical evidence suggests that L-type calcium channels may play a crucial role in the development of dependence to different types of drugs. Mechanisms for this are proposed, including changes in the activity of mesolimbic dopamine neurons, genomic effects, and alterations in synaptic plasticity. Newly developed, more selective L-type calcium channel blockers could be of considerable value in the treatment of drug dependence. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Dependence on drugs is a very serious health problem with little effective treatment. Preclinical evidence shows drugs that block particular calcium channels, the L-type, reduce dependence-related effects of alcohol, opioids, psychostimulants, and nicotine. Clinical studies have been restricted by potential cardiovascular side effects, but new, more selective L-channel blockers are becoming available. L-channel blockers have no intrinsic dependence liability, and laboratory evidence suggests they reverse previously developed effects of dependence-inducing drugs. They could provide a novel approach to addiction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary J Little
- Section of Alcohol Research, National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, United Kingdom
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3
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Dunn AR, Kaczorowski CC. Regulation of intrinsic excitability: Roles for learning and memory, aging and Alzheimer's disease, and genetic diversity. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 164:107069. [PMID: 31442579 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.107069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Plasticity of intrinsic neuronal excitability facilitates learning and memory across multiple species, with aberrant modulation of this process being linked to the development of neurological symptoms in models of cognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease. Learning-related increases in intrinsic excitability of neurons occurs in a variety of brain regions, and is generally thought to promote information processing and storage through enhancement of synaptic throughput and induction of synaptic plasticity. Experience-dependent changes in intrinsic neuronal excitability rely on activity-dependent gene expression patterns, which can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors, aging, and disease. Reductions in baseline intrinsic excitability, as well as aberrant plasticity of intrinsic neuronal excitability and in some cases pathological hyperexcitability, have been associated with cognitive deficits in animal models of both normal cognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease. Genetic factors that modulate plasticity of intrinsic excitability likely underlie individual differences in cognitive function and susceptibility to cognitive decline. Thus, targeting molecular mediators that either control baseline intrinsic neuronal excitability, subserve learning-related intrinsic neuronal plasticity, and/or promote resilience may be a promising therapeutic strategy for maintaining cognitive function in aging and disease. In this review, we discuss the complementary relationship between intrinsic excitability and learning, with a particular focus on how this relationship varies as a function of age, disease state, and genetic make-up, and how targeting these factors may help to further elucidate our understanding of the role of intrinsic excitability in cognitive function and cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Dunn
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
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4
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Bozorgi H, Motaghi E, Zamani M, Ghavimi R. Neuronal calcium channels blocker, ziconotide (ɷ-conotoxin MVIIA), reverses morphine withdrawal-induced memory impairments via alteration in hippocampal NMDA receptor expression in rats. TOXIN REV 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2018.1525402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hooman Bozorgi
- Laboratory of Learning and Memory, Research Center of Physiology and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ehsan Motaghi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Melika Zamani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ghavimi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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5
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Ghosh A, Carew SJ, Chen X, Yuan Q. The Role of L-type Calcium Channels in Olfactory Learning and Its Modulation by Norepinephrine. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:394. [PMID: 29321726 PMCID: PMC5732138 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
L type calcium channels (LTCCs) are prevalent in different systems and hold immense importance for maintaining/performing selective functions. In the nervous system, CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 are emerging as critical modulators of neuronal functions. Although the general role of these calcium channels in modulating synaptic plasticity and memory has been explored, their role in olfactory learning is not well understood. In this review article we first discuss the role of LTCCs in olfactory learning especially focusing on early odor preference learning in neonate rodents, presenting evidence that while NMDARs initiate stimulus-specific learning, LTCCs promote protein-synthesis dependent long-term memory (LTM). Norepinephrine (NE) release from the locus coeruleus (LC) is essential for early olfactory learning, thus noradrenergic modulation of LTCC function and its implication in olfactory learning is discussed here. We then address the differential roles of LTCCs in adult learning and learning in aged animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinaba Ghosh
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Samantha J Carew
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Xihua Chen
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Qi Yuan
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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6
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Kim SH, Park YR, Lee B, Choi B, Kim H, Kim CH. Reduction of Cav1.3 channels in dorsal hippocampus impairs the development of dentate gyrus newborn neurons and hippocampal-dependent memory tasks. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181138. [PMID: 28715454 PMCID: PMC5513490 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cav1.3 has been suggested to mediate hippocampal neurogenesis of adult mice and contribute to hippocampal-dependent learning and memory processes. However, the mechanism of Cav1.3 contribution in these processes is unclear. Here, roles of Cav1.3 of mouse dorsal hippocampus during newborn cell development were examined. We find that knock-out (KO) of Cav1.3 resulted in the reduction of survival of newborn neurons at 28 days old after mitosis. The retroviral eGFP expression showed that both dendritic complexity and the number and length of mossy fiber bouton (MFB) filopodia of newborn neurons at ≥ 14 days old were significantly reduced in KO mice. Both contextual fear conditioning (CFC) and object-location recognition tasks were impaired in recent (1 day) memory test while passive avoidance task was impaired only in remote (≥ 20 days) memory in KO mice. Results using adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated Cav1.3 knock-down (KD) or retrovirus-mediated KD in dorsal hippocampal DG area showed that the recent memory of CFC was impaired in both KD mice but the remote memory was impaired only in AAV KD mice, suggesting that Cav1.3 of mature neurons play important roles in both recent and remote CFC memory while Cav1.3 in newborn neurons is selectively involved in the recent CFC memory process. Meanwhile, AAV KD of Cav1.3 in ventral hippocampal area has no effect on the recent CFC memory. In conclusion, the results suggest that Cav1.3 in newborn neurons of dorsal hippocampus is involved in the survival of newborn neurons while mediating developments of dendritic and axonal processes of newborn cells and plays a role in the memory process differentially depending on the stage of maturation and the type of learning task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Hyun Kim
- Center for Neuroscience, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea
- Neuroscience Program, Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ye-Ryoung Park
- Center for Neuroscience, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea
- Neuroscience Program, Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea
| | - Boyoung Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Byungil Choi
- Department of Anatomy and Division of Brain Korea 21 Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Division of Brain Korea 21 Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chong-Hyun Kim
- Center for Neuroscience, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea
- Neuroscience Program, Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail:
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7
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Goetghebeur PJ, Swartz JE. True alignment of preclinical and clinical research to enhance success in CNS drug development: a review of the current evidence. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:586-94. [PMID: 27147593 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116645269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system pharmacological research and development has reached a critical turning point. Patients suffering from disorders afflicting the central nervous system are numerous and command significant attention from the pharmaceutical industry. However, given the numerous failures of promising drugs, many companies are no longer investing in or, indeed, are divesting from this therapeutic area. Central nervous system drug development must change in order to develop effective therapies to treat these patients. Preclinical research is a cornerstone of drug development; however, it is frequently criticised for its lack of predictive validity. Animal models and assays can be shown to be more predictive than reported and, on many occasions, the lack of thorough preclinical testing is potentially to blame for some of the clinical failures. Important factors such as translational aspects, nature of animal models, variances in acute versus chronic dosing, development of add-on therapies and understanding of the full dose-response relationship are too often neglected. Reducing the attrition rate in central nervous system drug development could be achieved by addressing these important questions before novel compounds enter the clinical phase. This review illustrates the relevance of employing these criteria to translational central nervous system research, better to ensure success in developing new drugs in this therapeutic area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jina E Swartz
- CNS Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda Development Centre Europe Ltd, London, UK
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8
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Zhou TT, Quan LL, Chen LP, Du T, Sun KX, Zhang JC, Yu L, Li Y, Wan P, Chen LL, Jiang BH, Hu LH, Chen J, Shen X. SP6616 as a new Kv2.1 channel inhibitor efficiently promotes β-cell survival involving both PKC/Erk1/2 and CaM/PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2216. [PMID: 27148689 PMCID: PMC4917657 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Kv2.1 as a voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel subunit has a pivotal role in the regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and pancreatic β-cell apoptosis, and is believed to be a promising target for anti-diabetic drug discovery, although the mechanism underlying the Kv2.1-mediated β-cell apoptosis is obscure. Here, the small molecular compound, ethyl 5-(3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-7-methyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-5H-[1,3]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate (SP6616) was discovered to be a new Kv2.1 inhibitor. It was effective in both promoting GSIS and protecting β cells from apoptosis. Evaluation of SP6616 on either high-fat diet combined with streptozocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice or db/db mice further verified its efficacy in the amelioration of β-cell dysfunction and glucose homeostasis. SP6616 treatment efficiently increased serum insulin level, restored β-cell mass, decreased fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, and improved oral glucose tolerance. Mechanism study indicated that the promotion of SP6616 on β-cell survival was tightly linked to its regulation against both protein kinases C (PKC)/extracellular-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (Erk1/2) and calmodulin(CaM)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/serine/threonine-specific protein kinase (Akt) signaling pathways. To our knowledge, this may be the first report on the underlying pathway responsible for the Kv2.1-mediated β-cell protection. In addition, our study has also highlighted the potential of SP6616 in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T T Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, 3th Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - L L Quan
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - L P Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, 3th Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - T Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, 3th Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - K X Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, 3th Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - J C Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - L Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, 3th Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Y Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, 3th Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - P Wan
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - L L Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, 3th Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - B H Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, 3th Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - L H Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, 3th Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - J Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, 3th Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - X Shen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, 3th Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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9
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Zanos P, Bhat S, Terrillion CE, Smith RJ, Tonelli LH, Gould TD. Sex-dependent modulation of age-related cognitive decline by the L-type calcium channel gene Cacna1c (Cav 1.2). Eur J Neurosci 2015; 42:2499-507. [PMID: 25989111 PMCID: PMC4615431 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Increased calcium influx through L-type voltage-gated calcium channels has been implicated in the neuronal dysfunction underlying age-related memory declines. The present study aimed to test the specific role of Cacna1c (which encodes Cav 1.2) in modulating age-related memory dysfunction. Short-term, spatial and contextual/emotional memory was evaluated in young and aged, wild-type as well as mice with one functional copy of Cacna1c (haploinsufficient), using the novel object recognition, Y-maze and passive avoidance tasks, respectively. Hippocampal expression of Cacna1c mRNA was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Ageing was associated with object recognition and contextual/emotional memory deficits, and a significant increase in hippocampal Cacna1c mRNA expression. Cacna1c haploinsufficiency was associated with decreased Cacna1c mRNA expression in both young and old animals. However, haploinsufficient mice did not manifest an age-related increase in expression of this gene. Behaviourally, Cacna1c haploinsufficiency prevented object recognition deficits during ageing in both male and female mice. A significant correlation between higher Cacna1c levels and decreased object recognition performance was observed in both sexes. Also, a sex-dependent protective role of decreased Cacna1c levels in contextual/emotional memory loss has been observed, specifically in male mice. These data provide evidence for an association between increased hippocampal Cacna1c expression and age-related cognitive decline. Additionally, they indicate an interaction between the Cacna1c gene and sex in the modulation of age-related contextual memory declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panos Zanos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Shambhu Bhat
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Robert J. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Leonardo H. Tonelli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Todd D. Gould
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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10
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Proft J, Weiss N. Looking for answers to L-type calcium channels in the ageing brain (Commentary on Zanoset al.). Eur J Neurosci 2015; 42:2496-8. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Proft
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Prague Czech Republic
| | - Norbert Weiss
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Prague Czech Republic
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11
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Field populations of native Indian honey bees from pesticide intensive agricultural landscape show signs of impaired olfaction. Sci Rep 2015. [PMID: 26212690 PMCID: PMC4648454 DOI: 10.1038/srep12504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Little information is available regarding the adverse effects of pesticides on natural honey bee populations. This study highlights the detrimental effects of pesticides on honey bee olfaction through behavioural studies, scanning electron microscopic imaging of antennal sensillae and confocal microscopic studies of honey bee brains for calcium ions on Apis cerana, a native Indian honey bee species. There was a significant decrease in proboscis extension response and biologically active free calcium ions and adverse changes in antennal sensillae in pesticide exposed field honey bee populations compared to morphometrically similar honey bees sampled from low/no pesticide sites. Controlled laboratory experiments corroborated these findings. This study reports for the first time the changes in antennal sensillae, expression of Calpain 1(an important calcium binding protein) and resting state free calcium in brains of honey bees exposed to pesticide stress.
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12
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Yao XG, Xu X, Wang GH, Lei M, Quan LL, Cheng YH, Wan P, Zhou JP, Chen J, Hu LH, Shen X. BBT improves glucose homeostasis by ameliorating β-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetic mice. J Endocrinol 2015; 224:327-41. [PMID: 25572265 DOI: 10.1530/joe-14-0721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and increasing β-cell death are two typical dysfunctions of pancreatic β-cells in individuals that are destined to develop type 2 diabetes, and improvement of β-cell function through GSIS enhancement and/or inhibition of β-cell death is a promising strategy for anti-diabetic therapy. In this study, we discovered that the small molecule, N-(2-benzoylphenyl)-5-bromo-2-thiophenecarboxamide (BBT), was effective in both potentiating GSIS and protecting β-cells from cytokine- or streptozotocin (STZ)-induced cell death. Results of further studies revealed that cAMP/PKA and long-lasting (L-type) voltage-dependent Ca(2) (+) channel/CaMK2 pathways were involved in the action of BBT against GSIS, and that the cAMP/PKA pathway was essential for the protective action of BBT on β-cells. An assay using the model of type 2 diabetic mice induced by high-fat diet combined with STZ (STZ/HFD) demonstrated that BBT administration efficiently restored β-cell functions as indicated by the increased plasma insulin level and decrease in the β-cell loss induced by STZ/HFD. Moreover, the results indicated that BBT treatment decreased fasting blood glucose and HbA1c and improved oral glucose tolerance further highlighting the potential of BBT in anti-hyperglycemia research.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/physiopathology
- Diet, High-Fat
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Glucose/metabolism
- HEK293 Cells
- Homeostasis/drug effects
- Humans
- Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology
- Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use
- Insulin-Secreting Cells/drug effects
- Insulin-Secreting Cells/physiology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Streptozocin
- Thiophenes/pharmacology
- Thiophenes/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-gang Yao
- Key Laboratory of Receptor ResearchShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, ChinaCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesShanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234, ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyChina Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Receptor ResearchShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, ChinaCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesShanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234, ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyChina Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Gai-hong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Receptor ResearchShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, ChinaCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesShanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234, ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyChina Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Min Lei
- Key Laboratory of Receptor ResearchShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, ChinaCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesShanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234, ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyChina Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ling-ling Quan
- Key Laboratory of Receptor ResearchShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, ChinaCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesShanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234, ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyChina Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yan-hua Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Receptor ResearchShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, ChinaCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesShanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234, ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyChina Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ping Wan
- Key Laboratory of Receptor ResearchShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, ChinaCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesShanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234, ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyChina Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jin-pei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Receptor ResearchShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, ChinaCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesShanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234, ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyChina Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Receptor ResearchShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, ChinaCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesShanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234, ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyChina Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Li-hong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Receptor ResearchShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, ChinaCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesShanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234, ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyChina Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xu Shen
- Key Laboratory of Receptor ResearchShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, ChinaCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesShanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234, ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyChina Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
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13
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The role of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 in normal and pathological brain function. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 357:463-76. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1936-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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14
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Baker KD, Edwards TM, Rickard NS. The role of intracellular calcium stores in synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:1211-39. [PMID: 23639769 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Memory processing requires tightly controlled signalling cascades, many of which are dependent upon intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)). Despite this, most work investigating calcium signalling in memory formation has focused on plasma membrane channels and extracellular sources of Ca(2+). The intracellular Ca(2+) release channels, ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) have a significant capacity to regulate intracellular Ca(2+) signalling. Evidence at both cellular and behavioural levels implicates both RyRs and IP3Rs in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Pharmacobehavioural experiments using young chicks trained on a single-trial discrimination avoidance task have been particularly useful by demonstrating that RyRs and IP3Rs have distinct roles in memory formation. RyR-dependent Ca(2+) release appears to aid the consolidation of labile memory into a persistent long-term memory trace. In contrast, IP3Rs are required during long-term memory. This review discusses various functions for RyRs and IP3Rs in memory processing, including neuro- and glio-transmitter release, dendritic spine remodelling, facilitating vasodilation, and the regulation of gene transcription and dendritic excitability. Altered Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores also has significant implications for neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn D Baker
- School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia.
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15
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Influence of acute or chronic calcium channel antagonists on the acquisition and consolidation of memory and nicotine-induced cognitive effects in mice. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2013; 386:651-64. [PMID: 23579386 PMCID: PMC3676638 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-013-0866-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs) form a heterogeneous family of ligand-gated ion channels found in the nervous system. The main objective of our research was to investigate the interaction between cholinergic nicotinic system and calcium homeostasis in cognitive processes using the modified elevated plus maze memory model in mice. The time each mouse took to move from the open arm to either of the enclosed arms on the retention trial (transfer latency, TL2) was used as an index of memory. Our results showed that a single injection of nicotine (0.035 and 0.175 mg/kg) shortened TL2 values, improving memory-related processes. Similarly, L-type calcium channel antagonists (CCAs), i.e., flunarizine, verapamil, amlodipine, nimodipine, nifedipine, and nicardipine (at the range of dose 5–20 mg/kg) administered before or after training, decreased TL2 value improving memory acquisition and/or consolidation. Interestingly, at the subthresold doses, flunarizine, nicardipine, amlodipine, verapamil, and bupropion, a nAChR antagonist, significantly reversed the nicotine improvement of memory acquisition, while flunarizine, verapamil, and bupropion attenuated the improvement of memory consolidation provoked by an acute injection of nicotine (0.035 mg/kg, s.c.). After subchronic administration (14 days, i.p.) of verapamil and amlodipine, two CCAs with the highest affinity for nAChRs, only verapamil (5 mg/kg) impaired memory acquisition and consolidation while both verapamil and amlodipine, at the subthresold, ineffective dose (2.5 mg/kg), significantly reversed the improvement of memory provoked by an acute injection of nicotine (0.035 mg/kg, s.c.). Our findings can be useful to better understand the interaction between cholinergic nicotinic receptors and calcium-related mechanisms in memory-related processes.
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16
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Uno Y, Fujiyuki T, Morioka M, Kubo T. Mushroom body-preferential expression of proteins/genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-transport in the worker honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) brain. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 22:52-61. [PMID: 23170949 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
To identify the molecular characteristics specific to the mushroom body (MB, a higher processing centre) neurones in the honeybee brain, we previously used proteomics to identify proteins that are preferentially expressed in these MBs. Here we continued our proteomic analysis to show that reticulocalbin, which is involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) transport, is also preferentially expressed in the MBs in the honeybee brain. Gene expression analysis revealed that reticulocalbin is preferentially expressed in the large-type Kenyon cells, which are MB-intrinsic neurones. In addition, the gene for the ryanodine receptor, which is also involved in ER Ca(2+) transport, was also preferentially expressed in the large-type Kenyon cells. In contrast, the expression of three other ER-related genes, protein disulphide isomerase, sec61 and erp60, was not enriched in the MBs. These findings further support the notion that the function of ER Ca(2+)-signalling, but not the mere intracellular density of ER, is specifically enhanced in the large-type Kenyon cells in the honeybee brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Uno
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Nashawi H, Bartl T, Bartl P, Novotny L, Oriowo M, Kombian S. TH-9 (a theophylline derivative) induces long-lasting enhancement in excitatory synaptic transmission in the rat hippocampus that is occluded by frequency-dependent plasticity in vitro. Neuroscience 2012; 220:70-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Revised: 06/10/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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18
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Foster TC. Dissecting the age-related decline on spatial learning and memory tasks in rodent models: N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in senescent synaptic plasticity. Prog Neurobiol 2012; 96:283-303. [PMID: 22307057 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2012.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Revised: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
In humans, heterogeneity in the decline of hippocampal-dependent episodic memory is observed during aging. Rodents have been employed as models of age-related cognitive decline and the spatial water maze has been used to show variability in the emergence and extent of impaired hippocampal-dependent memory. Impairment in the consolidation of intermediate-term memory for rapidly acquired and flexible spatial information emerges early, in middle-age. As aging proceeds, deficits may broaden to include impaired incremental learning of a spatial reference memory. The extent and time course of impairment has been be linked to senescence of calcium (Ca²⁺) regulation and Ca²⁺-dependent synaptic plasticity mechanisms in region CA1. Specifically, aging is associated with altered function of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels (VDCCs), and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) linked to intracellular Ca²⁺ stores (ICS). In young animals, NMDAR activation induces long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission (NMDAR-LTP), which is thought to mediate the rapid consolidation of intermediate-term memory. Oxidative stress, starting in middle-age, reduces NMDAR function. In addition, VDCCs and ICS can actively inhibit NMDAR-dependent LTP and oxidative stress enhances the role of VDCC and RyR-ICS in regulating synaptic plasticity. Blockade of L-type VDCCs promotes NMDAR-LTP and memory in older animals. Interestingly, pharmacological or genetic manipulations to reduce hippocampal NMDAR function readily impair memory consolidation or rapid learning, generally leaving incremental learning intact. Finally, evidence is mounting to indicate a role for VDCC-dependent synaptic plasticity in associative learning and the consolidation of remote memories. Thus, VDCC-dependent synaptic plasticity and extrahippocampal systems may contribute to incremental learning deficits observed with advanced aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Foster
- Department of Neuroscience, Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, PO Box 100244, Gainesville, FL 32610-0244, USA. ,
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19
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Casamassima F, Hay AC, Benedetti A, Lattanzi L, Cassano GB, Perlis RH. L-type calcium channels and psychiatric disorders: A brief review. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2010; 153B:1373-90. [PMID: 20886543 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.31122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2009] [Accepted: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) support the association of polymorphisms in the alpha 1C subunit of the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel gene (CACNA1C) with bipolar disorder. These studies extend a rich prior literature implicating dysfunction of L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, calcium channel blockers reduce Ca(2+) flux by binding to the α1 subunit of the LTCC and are used extensively for treating hypertension, preventing angina, cardiac arrhythmias and stroke. Calcium channel blockers have also been studied clinically in psychiatric conditions such as mood disorders and substance abuse/dependence, yielding conflicting results. In this review, we begin with a summary of LTCC pharmacology. For each category of disorder, this article then provides a review of animal and human data. In particular, we extensively focus on animal models of depression and clinical trials in mood disorders and substance abuse/dependence. Through examining rationale and study design of published clinical trials, we provide some of the possible reasons why we still do not have definitive evidence of efficacy of calcium-channel antagonists for mood disorders. Refinement of genetic results and target phenotypes, enrollment of adequate sample sizes in clinical trials and progress in physiologic and pharmacologic studies to synthesize tissue and isoform specific calcium channel antagonists, are all future challenges of research in this promising field. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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20
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Oh MM, Oliveira FA, Disterhoft JF. Learning and aging related changes in intrinsic neuronal excitability. Front Aging Neurosci 2010; 2:2. [PMID: 20552042 PMCID: PMC2874400 DOI: 10.3389/neuro.24.002.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 01/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A goal of many laboratories that study aging is to find a key cellular change(s) that can be manipulated and restored to a young-like state, and thus, reverse the age-related cognitive deficits. We have chosen to focus our efforts on the alteration of intrinsic excitability (as reflected by the postburst afterhyperpolarization, AHP) during the learning process in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. We have consistently found that the postburst AHP is significantly reduced in hippocampal pyramidal neurons from young adults that have successfully learned a hippocampus-dependent task. In the context of aging, the baseline intrinsic excitability of hippocampal neurons is decreased and therefore cognitive learning is impaired. In aging animals that are able to learn, neuron changes in excitability similar to those seen in young neurons during learning occur. Our challenge, then, is to understand how and why excitability changes occur in neurons from aging brains and cause age-associated learning impairments. After understanding the changes, we should be able to formulate strategies for reversing them, thus making old neurons function more as they did when they were young. Such a reversal should rescue the age-related cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Matthew Oh
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicago, IL, USA
| | - Fernando A. Oliveira
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicago, IL, USA
| | - John F. Disterhoft
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicago, IL, USA
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21
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Kumar A, Bodhinathan K, Foster TC. Susceptibility to Calcium Dysregulation during Brain Aging. Front Aging Neurosci 2009; 1:2. [PMID: 20552053 PMCID: PMC2874411 DOI: 10.3389/neuro.24.002.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca(2+)) is a highly versatile intracellular signaling molecule that is essential for regulating a variety of cellular and physiological processes ranging from fertilization to programmed cell death. Research has provided ample evidence that brain aging is associated with altered Ca(2+) homeostasis. Much of the work has focused on the hippocampus, a brain region critically involved in learning and memory, which is particularly susceptible to dysfunction during senescence. The current review takes a broader perspective, assessing age-related changes in Ca(2+) sources, Ca(2+) sequestration, and Ca(2+) binding proteins throughout the nervous system. The nature of altered Ca(2+) homeostasis is cell specific and may represent a deficit or a compensatory mechanism, producing complex patterns of impaired cellular function. Incorporating the knowledge of the complexity of age-related alterations in Ca(2+) homeostasis will positively shape the development of highly effective therapeutics to treat brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
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22
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Martin LJ, Persinger MA. The Influence of Various Pharmacological Agents on the Analgesia Induced by an Applied Complex Magnetic Field Treatment: A Receptor System Potpourri. Electromagn Biol Med 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/15368370500205431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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23
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Perisse E, Raymond-Delpech V, Néant I, Matsumoto Y, Leclerc C, Moreau M, Sandoz JC. Early calcium increase triggers the formation of olfactory long-term memory in honeybees. BMC Biol 2009; 7:30. [PMID: 19531205 PMCID: PMC2713209 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Synaptic plasticity associated with an important wave of gene transcription and protein synthesis underlies long-term memory processes. Calcium (Ca2+) plays an important role in a variety of neuronal functions and indirect evidence suggests that it may be involved in synaptic plasticity and in the regulation of gene expression correlated to long-term memory formation. The aim of this study was to determine whether Ca2+ is necessary and sufficient for inducing long-term memory formation. A suitable model to address this question is the Pavlovian appetitive conditioning of the proboscis extension reflex in the honeybee Apis mellifera, in which animals learn to associate an odor with a sucrose reward. Results By modulating the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the brain, we show that: (i) blocking [Ca2+]i increase during multiple-trial conditioning selectively impairs long-term memory performance; (ii) conversely, increasing [Ca2+]i during single-trial conditioning triggers long-term memory formation; and finally, (iii) as was the case for long-term memory produced by multiple-trial conditioning, enhancement of long-term memory performance induced by a [Ca2+]i increase depends on de novo protein synthesis. Conclusion Altogether our data suggest that during olfactory conditioning Ca2+ is both a necessary and a sufficient signal for the formation of protein-dependent long-term memory. Ca2+ therefore appears to act as a switch between short- and long-term storage of learned information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Perisse
- Centre de Recherches sur Cognition Animale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France.
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Qi Z, Gold PE. Intrahippocampal infusions of anisomycin produce amnesia: contribution of increased release of norepinephrine, dopamine, and acetylcholine. Learn Mem 2009; 16:308-14. [PMID: 19403793 DOI: 10.1101/lm.1333409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Intra-amygdala injections of anisomycin produce large increases in the release of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin in the amygdala. Pretreatment with intra-amygdala injections of the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol attenuates anisomycin-induced amnesia without reversing the inhibition of protein synthesis, and injections of NE alone produce amnesia. These findings suggest that abnormal neurotransmitter responses may be the basis for amnesia produced by inhibition of protein synthesis. The present experiment extends these findings to the hippocampus and adds acetylcholine (ACh) to the list of neurotransmitters affected by anisomycin. Using in vivo microdialysis at the site of injection, release of NE, DA, and ACh was measured before and after injections of anisomycin into the hippocampus. Anisomycin impaired inhibitory avoidance memory when rats were tested 48 h after training and also produced substantial increases in local release of NE, DA, and ACh. In an additional experiment, pretreatment with intrahippocampal injections of propranolol prior to anisomycin and training significantly attenuated anisomycin-induced amnesia. The disruption of neurotransmitter release patterns at the site of injection appears to contribute significantly to the mechanisms underlying amnesia produced by protein synthesis inhibitors, calling into question the dominant interpretation that the amnesia reflects loss of training-initiated protein synthesis necessary for memory formation. Instead, the findings suggest that proteins needed for memory formation are available prior to an experience, and that post-translational modifications of these proteins may be sufficient to enable the formation of new memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghan Qi
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois 61820, USA
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Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that ovarian hormones regulate a wide variety of non-reproductive functions in the central nervous system by interacting with several molecular and cellular processes. A growing animal literature using both adult and aged rodent models indicates that 17beta-estradiol, the most potent of the biologically relevant estrogens, facilitates some forms of learning and memory, in particular those that involve hippocampal-dependent tasks. A recently developed triple-transgenic mouse (3xTg-AD) has been widely used as an animal model of Alzheimer's disease, as this mouse exhibits an age-related and progressive neuropathological phenotype that includes both plaque and tangle pathology mainly restricted to hippocampus, amygdala and cerebral cortex. In this report, we examine recent studies that compare the effects of ovarian hormones on synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity in adult and aged rodents. A better understanding of the non-reproductive functions of ovarian hormones has far-reaching implications for hormone therapy to maintain health and function within the nervous system throughout aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Foy
- Department of Psychology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA.
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26
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Brooks S, Croft A, Norman G, Shaw S, Little H. Nimodipine prior to alcohol withdrawal prevents memory deficits during the abstinence phase. Neuroscience 2008; 157:376-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2008] [Revised: 08/20/2008] [Accepted: 09/04/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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27
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Inhibition of mGluR1 and IP3Rs impairs long-term memory formation in young chicks. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2008; 90:269-74. [PMID: 18495503 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2008.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2007] [Revised: 04/05/2008] [Accepted: 04/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca(2+)) is involved in a myriad of cellular functions in the brain including synaptic plasticity. However, the role of intracellular Ca(2+) stores in memory processing remains poorly defined. The current study explored a role for glutamate-dependent intracellular Ca(2+) release in memory processing via blockade of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 1 (mGluR1) and inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs). Using a single-trial discrimination avoidance task developed for the young chick, administration of the specific and potent mGluR1 antagonist JNJ16259685 (500nM, immediately post-training, ic), or the IP(3)R antagonist Xestospongin C (5microM, immediately post-training, ic), impaired retention from 90min post-training. These findings are consistent with mGluR1 activating IP(3)Rs to release intracellular Ca(2+) required for long-term memory formation and have been interpreted within an LTP2 model. The consequences of different patterns of retention loss following ryanodine receptor (RyR) and IP(3)R inhibition are discussed.
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28
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Cao X, Wei Z, Gabriel GG, Li X, Mousseau DD. Calcium-sensitive regulation of monoamine oxidase-A contributes to the production of peroxyradicals in hippocampal cultures: implications for Alzheimer disease-related pathology. BMC Neurosci 2007; 8:73. [PMID: 17868476 PMCID: PMC2048967 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-8-73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2007] [Accepted: 09/16/2007] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Calcium (Ca2+) has recently been shown to selectively increase the activity of monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A), a mitochondria-bound enzyme that generates peroxyradicals as a natural by-product of the deamination of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. It has also been suggested that increased intracellular free Ca2+ levels as well as MAO-A may be contributing to the oxidative stress associated with Alzheimer disease (AD). Results Incubation with Ca2+ selectively increases MAO-A enzymatic activity in protein extracts from mouse hippocampal HT-22 cell cultures. Treatment of HT-22 cultures with the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 also increases MAO-A activity, whereas overexpression of calbindin-D28K (CB-28K), a Ca2+-binding protein in brain that is greatly reduced in AD, decreases MAO-A activity. The effects of A23187 and CB-28K are both independent of any change in MAO-A protein or gene expression. The toxicity (via production of peroxyradicals and/or chromatin condensation) associated with either A23187 or the AD-related β-amyloid peptide, which also increases free intracellular Ca2+, is attenuated by MAO-A inhibition in HT-22 cells as well as in primary hippocampal cultures. Conclusion These data suggest that increases in intracellular Ca2+ availability could contribute to a MAO-A-mediated mechanism with a role in AD-related oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Cao
- The Cell Signalling Laboratory, Neuropsychiatry Research Unit, University of Saskatchewan, 103 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E4, Canada
| | - Zelan Wei
- The Cell Signalling Laboratory, Neuropsychiatry Research Unit, University of Saskatchewan, 103 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E4, Canada
| | - Geraldine G Gabriel
- The Cell Signalling Laboratory, Neuropsychiatry Research Unit, University of Saskatchewan, 103 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E4, Canada
| | - XinMin Li
- The Cell Signalling Laboratory, Neuropsychiatry Research Unit, University of Saskatchewan, 103 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E4, Canada
| | - Darrell D Mousseau
- The Cell Signalling Laboratory, Neuropsychiatry Research Unit, University of Saskatchewan, 103 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E4, Canada
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Rose GM, Ong VS, Woodruff-Pak DS. Efficacy of MEM 1003, a novel calcium channel blocker, in delay and trace eyeblink conditioning in older rabbits. Neurobiol Aging 2007; 28:766-73. [PMID: 16621170 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2006.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2005] [Revised: 02/10/2006] [Accepted: 03/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Eyeblink conditioning is a relatively simple form of associative learning that shows neurobiological and behavioral parallels across several species, including humans. Aged subjects acquire eyeblink conditioning more slowly than young ones. In addition, eyeblink conditioning effectively discriminates patients with Alzheimer's disease from healthy older adults. The present study evaluated the effect of a novel L-type Ca2+ channel antagonist, MEM 1003, on delay and trace eyeblink conditioning in older (mean 33.4 months old) female New Zealand white rabbits. In the delay conditioning paradigm, an 850 ms tone conditioning stimulus (CS) was followed 750 ms after its onset by a 100 ms corneal air puff. Several trace conditioning paradigms were evaluated, with a silent period of 300, 400 or 500 ms between the end of the tone CS and the delivery of the air puff. Learning was more difficult in the longer trace paradigms than in the delay paradigm. MEM 1003, at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg, s.c., given daily 30 min prior to training on each of the 15 training days, enhanced learning compared to vehicle injections in both delay and trace paradigms. However, higher or lower doses were ineffective. These results support previous work demonstrating that modulation of Ca2+ channel activity can reduce age-related cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M Rose
- Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp., Montvale, NJ, United States.
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30
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Murphy GG, Shah V, Hell JW, Silva AJ. Investigation of age-related cognitive decline using mice as a model system: neurophysiological correlates. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2006; 14:1012-21. [PMID: 17138808 DOI: 10.1097/01.jgp.0000209404.54310.b3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Learning and memory impairments without overt pathology often accompany advancing age. To gain a better understanding of the underlying neuronal substrates associated with this age-related cognitive decline, the authors have begun to use mice as an animal model system. As described in the companion paper, mice exhibit age-related impairments in cognition. Here, the authors explore the possibility that age-related changes in neuronal function may be the result of deregulation of cytosolic free calcium homeostasis. METHODS Calcium homeostasis in young and aged mice was examined by measuring the slow afterhyperpolarization (sAHP) in hippocampal neurons as well as assessing voltage-dependent calcium channel mediated long-term potentiation (vdccLTP). In addition, putative changes in phosphorylation of the L-type channel Ca(V)1.2 by cAMP-dependent protein kinase were examined. RESULTS Both neurophysiological measures of calcium homeostasis indicated an increase in activity-dependent calcium influx. This increase was not the result of an age-related increase in phosphorylation of the L-type channel Ca(V)1.2 by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. CONCLUSIONS Like in other areas of biomedical research, mice have become an invaluable research tool in the investigation of learning and memory. It is expected that similar benefits can be realized by developing mouse models for age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey G Murphy
- Department of Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1761, USA
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31
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Johnson BA, Roache JD, Ait-Daoud N, Wallace C, Wells LT, Wang Y. Effects of isradipine on methamphetamine-induced changes in attentional and perceptual-motor skills of cognition. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2005; 178:296-302. [PMID: 15452681 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-004-1998-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2004] [Accepted: 07/19/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE While the effects of d-amphetamine in increasing performance have been established, there is a paucity of information on the effects of methamphetamine on cognition in drug-naive subjects, and no published information on the effects of intravenous methamphetamine administration in dependent individuals. The dihydropyridine-class calcium channel antagonist, isradipine, has been posited as a putative treatment to prevent methamphetamine-associated hypertensive crisis and its sequelae. Yet, isradipine's effects on cognitive performance in methamphetamine-dependent individuals are not known. OBJECTIVE Since individuals whose dependence on methamphetamine is attributable to the need to enhance performance may be loath to take a cognition-impairing medication, even for the treatment of life-threatening hypertensive crisis, it would be important to determine isradipine's effects on performance. METHODS We therefore examined in a blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover design the cognitive effects of low and high doses of intravenous methamphetamine (15 mg and 30 mg, respectively) in both the presence and absence of isradipine. RESULTS Intravenous d-methamphetamine produced dose-dependent increases in attention, concentration, and psychomotor performance. Isradipine, both with and without methamphetamine, had a modest effect to decrease attention. CONCLUSION Our results do not support the further testing of isradipine as a medication for improving the cognitive impairments that have been associated with chronic methamphetamine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bankole A Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
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32
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Murphy GG, Fedorov NB, Giese KP, Ohno M, Friedman E, Chen R, Silva AJ. Increased neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and learning in aged Kvbeta1.1 knockout mice. Curr Biol 2005; 14:1907-15. [PMID: 15530391 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2004.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2004] [Revised: 09/01/2004] [Accepted: 09/25/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advancing age is typically accompanied by deficits in learning and memory. These deficits occur independently of overt pathology and are often considered to be a part of "normal aging." At the neuronal level, normal aging is known to be associated with numerous cellular and molecular changes, which include a pronounced decrease in neuronal excitability and an altered induction in the threshold for synaptic plasticity. Because both of these mechanisms (neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity) have been implicated as putative cellular substrates for learning and memory, it is reasonable to propose that age-related changes in these mechanisms may contribute to the general cognitive decline that occurs during aging. RESULTS To further investigate the relationship between aging, learning and memory, neuronal excitability, and synaptic plasticity, we have carried out experiments with aged mice that lack the auxiliary potassium channel subunit Kvbeta1.1. In aged mice, the deletion of the auxiliary potassium channel subunit Kvbeta1.1 resulted in increased neuronal excitability, as measured by a decrease in the post-burst afterhyperpolarization. In addition, long-term potentiation (LTP) was more readily induced in aged Kvbeta1.1 knockout mice. Finally, the aged Kvbeta1.1 mutants outperformed age-matched controls in the hidden-platform version of the Morris water maze. Interestingly, the enhancements in excitability and learning were both sensitive to genetic background: The enhanced learning was only observed in a genetic background in which the mutants exhibited increased neuronal excitability. CONCLUSIONS Neuronal excitability is an important determinant of both synaptic plasticity and learning in aged subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey G Murphy
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychology, and Psychiatry, Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, 2554 Gonda Center, Box 951761, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Baldi E, Bucherelli C. The inverted "u-shaped" dose-effect relationships in learning and memory: modulation of arousal and consolidation. NONLINEARITY IN BIOLOGY, TOXICOLOGY, MEDICINE 2005; 3:9-21. [PMID: 19330154 PMCID: PMC2657842 DOI: 10.2201/nonlin.003.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In the ample field of biological non-linear relationships there is also the inverted U-shaped dose-effect. In relation to cognitive functions, this phenomenon has been widely reported for many active compounds, in several learning paradigms, in several animal species and does not depend on either administration route (systemic or endocerebral) or administration time (before or after training). This review summarizes its most interesting aspects. The hypothesized mechanisms supporting it are reported and discussed, with particular emphasis on the participation of emotional arousal levels in the modulation of memory processes. Findings on the well documented relationship between stress, emotional arousal, peripheral epinephrine levels, cerebral norepinephrine levels and memory consolidation are reported. These are discussed and the need for further research is underlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Baldi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgani 63, I-50134, Firenze, Italy
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34
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Martin LJ, Fournier NM, Galic MA, Emond MH. Chronic administration of the L-type calcium channel blocker nimodipine can facilitate the acquisition of sequence learning in a radial-arm maze. Behav Pharmacol 2004; 15:133-9. [PMID: 15096913 DOI: 10.1097/00008877-200403000-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Nimodipine, a dihydropyridine L-type voltage-gated calcium-channel blocker, was examined for its potential effect on the acquisition of a complex-arm sequence task in an automated radial maze. Young (60-day-old) male Wistar rats were injected with saline or nimodipine (5 mg/kg) 15 min prior to radial maze training, or immediately following the radial maze testing. The results of the learning task (over 7 days of testing) showed that rats injected with nimodipine each training session acquired the task more quickly and more efficiently compared to saline-treated animals. There were no significant differences for rats that were pre-/post-treated with nimodipine during the maze-learning task. The number of incorrect arm entries and number of additional lever presses in the same arm were found to be significantly lower in rats treated with nimodipine compared to saline-injected controls. The beneficial effect of nimodipine treatment occurred only in rats that were acquiring the task, and not in rats that had already learned the arm sequence paradigm. There were no potential non-specific influences on locomotor activity or appetite caused by chronic nimodipine treatments. These results strongly suggest that nimodipine can facilitate the acquisition of a complex learning task.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Martin
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
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35
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Abstract
Age-related memory impairment, a cognitive decline not clearly related to any gross pathology, is progressive and widespread in the population, although not universal. While the mechanisms of learning and memory remain incompletely understood, the study of their molecular mechanisms is already yielding promising approaches toward therapy for such "normal" declines in the efficiency of learning. This review presents the rationale and results for two such approaches. One approach, partial inhibition of the type IV cAMP specific phosphodiesterase, appears to act indirectly. Although little evidence supports an age-related decline in this system, considerable evidence indicates that this approach can facilitate the transition from short-term to long-term memory and thus counterbalance defects in long-term memory, which may be due to other causes. A second approach, inhibition of l-type voltage gated calcium channels (LVGCCs) may be a specific corrective for a molecular pathology of aging, as substantial evidence indicates that an ongoing increase occurs throughout the lifespan in the density of these channels in hippocampal pyramidal cells, with a concomitant reduction in cellular excitability. Because LVGCCs are also crucial to extinction, a paradigm of inhibitory learning, age-related memory impairment may be an unfortunate side effect of a developmental process necessary to the maturation of the ability to suppress inappropriate behavior, an interpretation consistent with the antagonistic pleiotropy theory of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Barad
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Brain Research Institute, and Neuropsychiatric Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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36
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L-type voltage-gated calcium channels are required for extinction, but not for acquisition or expression, of conditional fear in mice. J Neurosci 2002. [PMID: 12388619 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.22-20-09113.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been shown recently that extinction of conditional fear does not depend acutely on NMDA-type glutamate receptors, although other evidence has led to the hypothesis that L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (LVGCCs) play a role in conditional fear. We therefore tested the role of LVGCCs in the acquisition, expression, and extinction of conditional fear of cue and context in mice. Using systemic injections of two LVGCC inhibitors, nifedipine and nimodipine, which both effectively cross the blood-brain barrier, we show that LVGCCs are essential for the extinction, but not for the acquisition or expression, of conditional fear in mice.
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37
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Impairment of L-type Ca2+ channel-dependent forms of hippocampal synaptic plasticity in mice deficient in the extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin-C. J Neurosci 2002. [PMID: 12177213 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.22-16-07177.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin-C (TN-C) has been suggested to play important functional roles during neural development, axonal regeneration, and synaptic plasticity. We generated a constitutively TN-C-deficient mouse mutant from embryonic stem cells with a floxed tn-C allele, representing a standard for future analysis of conditionally targeted mice. The gross morphology of the CNS was not detectably affected, including no evidence for perturbed nerve cell migration, abnormal oligodendrocyte distribution, or defective myelination. Despite the apparent normal histology of the hippocampus and normal performance in the water maze, theta-burst stimulation (TBS) of Schaffer collaterals elicited reduced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of TN-C-deficient mutants, as compared with wild-type littermates. However, high-frequency stimulation evoked normal LTP not only in CA1, but also at mossy fiber-CA3 and medial and lateral perforant path-granule cell synapses in the dentate gyrus. Low-frequency stimulation failed to induce long-term depression in the CA1 region of TN-C-deficient animals. Recordings of TBS-induced LTP in the presence of nifedipine, an antagonist of L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs), did not affect LTP in TN-C-deficient mice, but reduced LTP in wild-type mice to the levels seen in mutants. Furthermore, chemical induction of a L-type VDCC-dependent LTP in the CA1 region by application of the K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium resulted in impaired LTP in TN-C mutants. Thus, reduction in L-type VDCC-mediated signaling appears to mediate the deficits in certain forms of synaptic plasticity in constitutively TN-C-deficient mice.
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38
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Norman G, Brooks SP, Hennebry GM, Eacott MJ, Little HJ. Nimodipine prevents scopolamine-induced impairments in object recognition. J Psychopharmacol 2002; 16:153-61. [PMID: 12095074 DOI: 10.1177/026988110201600206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The effects of acute administration of the dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist, nimodipine, were studied on the actions of scopolamine in the object recognition test. Scopolamine at 0.125 mg/kg decreased the difference in the time spent exploring novel and familiar objects when given either 15 min before, or immediately after, exposure to objects. Administration of nimodipine at 10 mg/kg, or 1 mg/kg, at the same time as the scopolamine completely prevented the deleterious effects on memory in this task. This effect was seen when nimodipine and/or scopolamine were given prior to the object exposure and also when the drugs were given after the experience of seeing the objects. Nimodipine had no effects on performance when given in the absence of scopolamine. This lack of change in total time spent exploring the objects indicated that the effects of scopolamine and nimodipine were not due to changes in motor coordination or alertness. The results are discussed in the light of the role of cholinergic transmission in memory and the known actions of dihydropyridines on brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Norman
- Psychology Department, University of Durham, UK
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39
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Brooks SP, Hennebry G, McAlpin GPR, Norman G, Little HJ. Nimodipine prevents the effects of ethanol in tests of memory. Neuropharmacology 2002; 42:577-85. [PMID: 11955528 DOI: 10.1016/s0028-3908(02)00006-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The effects of acute administration of the dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist, nimodipine, were studied on the actions of ethanol in the radial arm maze and the object recognition test. In the former test, the effects of the drugs were examined on the performance in finding the four baited arms, after previous training in this task. Ethanol, at 1 g/kg, increased both the number of re-entries into baited arms (counted as errors of working memory) and the total number of arm choices required to complete the task. Administration of nimodipine, 10 mg/kg, with the ethanol, completely prevented the deleterious effects on memory in this task, but had no effects on the performance when given in the absence of ethanol. In the object recognition task, ethanol, 1 g/kg, significantly decreased the differences in the time spent exploring novel and familiar objects. Nimodipine, 10 mg/kg, given with the ethanol, completely prevented this effect, but nimodipine alone had no effects. The lack of changes in total exploration times indicated that the effects of ethanol in these tests were not due to loss of motor co-ordination or of alertness. The results are discussed in the light of the known actions of the drugs on brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Brooks
- Drug Dependence Unit, Psychology Department, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
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40
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Quartermain D, Garcia deSoria V. The effects of calcium channel antagonists on short- and long-term retention in mice using spontaneous alternation behavior. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2001; 76:117-24. [PMID: 11525250 DOI: 10.1006/nlme.2000.3981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The effect of calcium channel antagonists (CCA's) on working and reference memory in mice was studied using spontaneous alternation (SA) behavior in a T maze. Mice were given either one or four forced trials to either the right or the left arm on the training session (T1) followed by a free choice test (T2) at varying intervals after the initial trial. Untreated animals given one forced trial exhibited significantly greater levels of SA than chance at all delay intervals out to 20 min but not at 30, 60, or 180 min. Animals given four forced trials showed significant levels of SA 24 h after exposure but not at 72 h. Additional groups of mice were treated with amlodipine, nimodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil 1 h before T1. Mice given one forced trial were tested 30, 60, or 180 min after T1 while mice given four forced trials were tested 72 h after T1. Results showed that all of the CCA's except verapamil produced significant SA at the 30-min interval and nimodipine and diltiazem also significantly increased SA at the 60-min-delay interval. No significant effects were observed at the 180-min test. In the four trial groups, all of the CCA's with the exception of verapamil produced significant levels of SA at the 72-h interval. These results indicate that representative CCA's from both the dihydropyridine and the benzothiazapine classes can facilitate both short- and long-interval SA, thereby providing further confirmation that CCA's can enhance memory processing in young animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Quartermain
- Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA.
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41
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Genkova-Papazova MG, Petkova B, Shishkova N, Lazarova-Bakarova M. Effect of the calcium channel blockers nifedipine and diltiazem on pentylenetetrazole kindling-provoked amnesia in rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2001; 11:91-6. [PMID: 11313152 DOI: 10.1016/s0924-977x(00)00120-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A large body of research supports the view that memory disturbance is an integral part of epilepsy. Deficit in various behaviour tasks has been found in rats subjected to experimental epilepsy-pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindling. In the present study we examined the effect of post-training administered calcium channel blockers nifedipine (10 and 40 mg/kg) and diltiazem (10 and 30 mg/kg) on amnesia induced by PTZ kindling in shuttle-box- and step-down-trained rats. Retention in nifedipine- or diltiazem-treated kindled animals was significantly improved compared to the kindled controls. The mechanisms of action of calcium antagonists studied is considered. Taken together with the data about calcium channel blocker anticonvulsive activity, the results of this study further suggest that nifedipine and diltiazem might be useful in the treatment of cognitive disorders in epileptic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Genkova-Papazova
- Laboratory of CNS Pharmacology, Institute of Physiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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42
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Quartermain D, deSoria VG, Kwan A. Calcium channel antagonists enhance retention of passive avoidance and maze learning in mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2001; 75:77-90. [PMID: 11124048 DOI: 10.1006/nlme.1999.3958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although a number of studies have shown that treatment with calcium channel antagonists (CCAs) can ameliorate impairments in learning and memory in aged animals, evidence for a general nootropic effect of CCAs in neurologically normal young adult animals is ambiguous. This study attempts to resolve some of this ambiguity by comparing the effects of several CCAs on retention of passive avoidance learning and acquisition and retention of appetitively motivated spatial discrimination learning in young adult mice. Animals were trained in a step through passive avoidance apparatus and, immediately after training, injected subcutaneously with different doses of nimodipine, nifedipine, amlodipine, flunarazine, diltiazem, or verapamil. Retention was tested 24 h after training. In the maze-learning task mice were treated with the same doses of the aforementioned CCAs immediately after a brief training session in a linear maze and retention was tested 24 h after training. The most effective dose of each agent in the maze-retention experiment was administered to additional groups of animals 1 h prior to training to determine the effects of CCAs on acquisition processes. The effects of central administration of CCAs were examined by intracerebroventricular injection of different doses of amlodipine immediately after passive avoidance training. Results showed (1) all peripherally administered drugs except verapamil facilitated retention of passive avoidance training in a dose-dependent manner, (2) all drugs dose dependently facilitated retention of linear maze learning, (3) all doses of the drugs (except verapamil) which facilitated maze retention also facilitated maze learning, and (4) central administration of the dihydropyridine amlodipine produced a dose-dependent facilitation of the retention of passive avoidance learning. These data indicate that drugs which block calcium channels can enhance retention of two different types of learning in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Quartermain
- Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.
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43
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Vouimba RM, Foy MR, Foy JG, Thompson RF. 17beta-estradiol suppresses expression of long-term depression in aged rats. Brain Res Bull 2000; 53:783-7. [PMID: 11179843 DOI: 10.1016/s0361-9230(00)00377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
It has been recently reported that the female steroid hormone 17beta-estradiol enhances synaptic transmission and the magnitude of long-term potentiation (LTP) in adult rodent hippocampus. Moreover, 17beta-estradiol ameliorates cognitive and memory function in postmenopausal women. Since aging is associated with an alteration of synaptic plasticity (e.g., higher susceptibility to long-term depression [LTD]), we examined whether 17beta-estradiol alters the expression of LTD in aged rats. We now report that the induction of LTD recorded from CA1 hippocampal neurons of aged rats is suppressed by 17beta-estradiol treatment, which produced only a minimal effect in suppressing LTD in adult rats. These results suggest that estrogen may act to improve memory by suppressing forgetfulness via a synaptic mechanism, such as LTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Vouimba
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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44
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Foster TC. Involvement of hippocampal synaptic plasticity in age-related memory decline. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 1999; 30:236-49. [PMID: 10567726 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(99)00017-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This article examines the functional significance of Ca(2+)-dependent synaptic plasticity in relation to compromised memory function during aging. Research characterizing an age-related decline in memory for tasks that require proper hippocampal function is summarized. It is concluded that aged animals possess the mechanisms necessary for memory formation, and memory deficits, including rapid forgetting, result from more subtle changes in memory processes for memory storage or maintenance. A review of experimental studies concerning changes in hippocampal neural plasticity over the course of aging indicates that, during aging, there is a shift in mechanisms that regulate the thresholds for synaptic modification, including Ca(2+) channel function and subsequent Ca(2+)-dependent processes. The results, combined with theoretical considerations concerning synaptic modification thresholds, provide the basis for a model of age-related changes in hippocampal synaptic function. The model is employed as a foundation for interpretation of studies examining therapeutic intervention in age-related memory decline. The possible role of altered synaptic plasticity thresholds in learning and memory deficits suggests that treatments that modify synaptic plasticity may prove fruitful for the development of early therapeutic interventions in age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Foster
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, MS-305 UKMC, Lexington, KY, USA.
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