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Han Y, Zhang JQ, Ji YW, Luan YW, Li SY, Geng HZ, Ji Y, Yin C, Liu S, Zhou CY, Xiao C. α4 nicotinic receptors on GABAergic neurons mediate a cholinergic analgesic circuit in the substantia nigra pars reticulata. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1160-1174. [PMID: 38438581 PMCID: PMC11130268 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01234-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) regulate pain pathways with various outcomes depending on receptor subtypes, neuron types, and locations. But it remains unknown whether α4β2 nAChRs abundantly expressed in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) have potential to mitigate hyperalgesia in pain states. We observed that injection of nAChR antagonists into the SNr reduced pain thresholds in naïve mice, whereas injection of nAChR agonists into the SNr relieved hyperalgesia in mice, subjected to capsaicin injection into the lower hind leg, spinal nerve injury, chronic constriction injury, or chronic nicotine exposure. The analgesic effects of nAChR agonists were mimicked by optogenetic stimulation of cholinergic inputs from the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) to the SNr, but attenuated upon downregulation of α4 nAChRs on SNr GABAergic neurons and injection of dihydro-β-erythroidine into the SNr. Chronic nicotine-induced hyperalgesia depended on α4 nAChRs in SNr GABAergic neurons and was associated with the reduction of ACh release in the SNr. Either activation of α4 nAChRs in the SNr or optogenetic stimulation of the PPN-SNr cholinergic projection mitigated chronic nicotine-induced hyperalgesia. Interestingly, mechanical stimulation-induced ACh release was significantly attenuated in mice subjected to either capsaicin injection into the lower hind leg or SNI. These results suggest that α4 nAChRs on GABAergic neurons mediate a cholinergic analgesic circuit in the SNr, and these receptors may be effective therapeutic targets to relieve hyperalgesia in acute and chronic pain, and chronic nicotine exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Han
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yiwu Central Hospital, Yiwu, 322099, China
| | - Jia-Qi Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Ya-Wei Ji
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Yi-Wen Luan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi, 214023, China
| | - Shu-Yi Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Hui-Zhen Geng
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Ying Ji
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Cui Yin
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Su Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Chun-Yi Zhou
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
| | - Cheng Xiao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
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Ji YW, Xu XY, Yin C, Zhou C, Xiao C. Protocol to study projection-specific circuits in the basal ganglia of adult mice using viral vector tracing, optogenetics, and patch-clamp technique. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102551. [PMID: 37660296 PMCID: PMC10491855 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Analysis of synaptic strength and plasticity provides functional insights of complicated neural circuits. Here, we describe steps for cell- and projection-specific optogenetic manipulation of divergent basal ganglia circuits using anterograde and retrograde viral vectors. We quantitatively analyze synaptic function of these circuits utilizing a patch-clamp technique. This protocol is applicable to probe potential circuit targets for treatment of brain diseases. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Ji et al.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wei Ji
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xiang-Ying Xu
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Cui Yin
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Chunyi Zhou
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
| | - Cheng Xiao
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
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Ji YW, Shen ZL, Zhang X, Zhang K, Jia T, Xu X, Geng H, Han Y, Yin C, Yang JJ, Cao JL, Zhou C, Xiao C. Plasticity in ventral pallidal cholinergic neuron-derived circuits contributes to comorbid chronic pain-like and depression-like behaviour in male mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2182. [PMID: 37069246 PMCID: PMC10110548 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37968-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleus- and cell-specific interrogation of individual basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic circuits is crucial for refining targets to treat comorbid chronic pain-like and depression-like behaviour. As the ventral pallidum (VP) in the BF regulates pain perception and emotions, we aim to address the role of VP-derived cholinergic circuits in hyperalgesia and depression-like behaviour in chronic pain mouse model. In male mice, VP cholinergic neurons innervate local non-cholinergic neurons and modulate downstream basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These cholinergic circuits are mobilized by pain-like stimuli and become hyperactive during persistent pain. Acute stimulation of VP cholinergic neurons and the VP-BLA cholinergic projection reduces pain threshold in naïve mice whereas inhibition of the circuits elevated pain threshold in pain-like states. Multi-day repetitive modulation of the VP-BLA cholinergic pathway regulates depression-like behaviour in persistent pain. Therefore, VP-derived cholinergic circuits are implicated in comorbid hyperalgesia and depression-like behaviour in chronic pain mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wei Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zi-Lin Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kairan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Tao Jia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiangying Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Huizhen Geng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yu Han
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Cui Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian-Jun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Chunyi Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Cheng Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Fan JP, Zhang X, Han Y, Ji Y, Gu WX, Wu HC, Zhou C, Xiao C. Subthalamic neurons interact with nigral dopaminergic neurons to regulate movement in mice. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 237:e13917. [PMID: 36598331 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aims to address the role of the interaction between subthalamic (STN) neurons and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopaminergic (DA) neurons in movement control. METHODS Fiber photometry and optogenetic/chemogenetic techniques were utilized to monitor and manipulate neuronal activity, respectively. Locomotion in mice was recorded in an open field arena and on a head-fixed apparatus. A hemiparkinsonian mouse model was established by unilateral injection of 6-OHDA in the medial forebrain bundle. Whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were applied to record electrophysiological signals in STN neurons and SNc DA neurons. c-Fos-immunostaining was used to label activated neurons. A rabies virus-based retrograde tracing system was used to visualize STN neurons projecting to SNc DA neurons. RESULTS The activity of STN neurons was enhanced upon locomotion in an open field arena and on a head-fixed apparatus, and the enhancement was significantly attenuated in parkinsonian mice. Optogenetic stimulation of STN neurons enhanced locomotion, increased activity of SNc DA neurons, meanwhile, reduced latency to movement initiation. Combining optogenetics with patch-clamp recordings, we confirmed that STN neurons innervated SNc DA neurons through glutamatergic monosynaptic connections. Moreover, STN neurons projecting to SNc DA neurons were evenly distributed in the STN. Either 6-OHDA-lesion or chemogenetic inhibition of SNc DA neurons attenuated the enhancement of locomotion by STN stimulation. CONCLUSION SNc DA neurons not only affect the response of STN neurons to movement, but also contribute to the enhancement of movement by STN stimulation. This study demonstrates the role of STN-SNc interaction in movement control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Peng Fan
- School of basic medical sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yu Han
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ying Ji
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wei-Xin Gu
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Drum Tower Hospital, affiliated to Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai-Chuan Wu
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Drum Tower Hospital, affiliated to Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunyi Zhou
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory in Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Cheng Xiao
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory in Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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5
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Ji YW, Zhang X, Fan JP, Gu WX, Shen ZL, Wu HC, Cui G, Zhou C, Xiao C. Differential remodeling of subthalamic projections to basal ganglia output nuclei and locomotor deficits in 6-OHDA-induced hemiparkinsonian mice. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112178. [PMID: 36857188 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The subthalamic nucleus (STN) controls basal ganglia outputs via the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) and the globus pallidus internus (GPi). However, the synaptic properties of these projections and their roles in motor control remain unclear. We show that the STN-SNr and STN-GPi projections differ markedly in magnitude and activity-dependent plasticity despite the existence of collateral STN neurons projecting to both the SNr and GPi. Stimulation of either STN projection reduces locomotion; in contrast, inhibition of either the STN-SNr projection or collateral STN neurons facilitates locomotion. In 6-OHDA-hemiparkinsonian mice, the STN-SNr projection is dramatically attenuated, but the STN-GPi projection is robustly enhanced; apomorphine inhibition of the STN-GPi projection through D2 receptors is significantly augmented and improves locomotion. Optogenetic inhibition of either the STN-SNr or STN-GPi projection improves parkinsonian bradykinesia. These results suggest that the STN-GPi and STN-SNr projections are differentially involved in motor control in physiological and parkinsonian conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wei Ji
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221006, China
| | - Jiang-Peng Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory in Brain Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Wei-Xin Gu
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Zi-Lin Shen
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hai-Chuan Wu
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Guiyun Cui
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221006, China.
| | - Chunyi Zhou
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
| | - Cheng Xiao
- School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
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6
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Chiu CH, Weng SJ, Yeh SHH, Jhao YT, Chang HF, Huang WS, Cheng CY, Yeh CC, Ma KH. Assessment of the anti-nociceptive effects of fetal ventral mesencephalic tissue allografts in a rat model of hemi-Parkinson's disease using fMRI. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:948848. [PMID: 36466604 PMCID: PMC9716198 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.948848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive studies showed increased subjective pain sensitivity in Parkinson's disease (PD), which appeared to be partially reversed by dopaminergic (DA) treatment. Although cell replacement represents an attractive therapeutic strategy, its potential for PD-related hyperalgesia remains unclear. We investigated re-establishment of DA function via allografting exogenic DA cells on pain hypersensitivity in a rat model of PD. We evaluated the anti-nociceptive effects of fetal ventral mesencephalic (rVM) tissue allografts in PD rats after unilateral 6-OHDA-induced toxicity in the medial forebrain bundle. The drug -induced rotation test was used to validate the severity of the nigrostriatal lesion; von Frey and thermal pain tests were employed to evaluate nociceptive function. Nociception-induced cerebral blood volume (CBV) response was measured using a 4.7-T MR system. Finally, the immunohistochemical (IHC) studies were performed and the results were compared with the imaging findings from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The grafts significantly improved drug-induced rotation behavior and increased mechanical and thermal nociceptive thresholds in PD rats. The elevation of CBV signals significantly recovered on the grafted striatum, whereas this effect was inhibited by the D2R antagonist eticlopride in each striatum. Quantitative IHC analysis revealed the transplantation markedly increased the numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive cells. Therefore, we concluded transplantation of rVM tissue results in anti-nociceptive effects and improves motor function. Moreover, in vivo CBV response confirmed the key role of D2R-mediated pain modulation. Therefore, we demonstrate fMRI as a reliable imaging index in evaluating the anti-nociceptive therapeutic effects of fetal rVM transplantation in the rat model of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang-Hsin Chiu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Ju Weng
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Yun-Ting Jhao
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Wen-Sheng Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yi Cheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chang Yeh
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Defense Medical Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsing Ma
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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7
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Xiao C, Ji YW, Luan YW, Jia T, Yin C, Zhou CY. Differential modulation of subthalamic projection neurons by short-term and long-term electrical stimulation in physiological and parkinsonian conditions. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:1928-1939. [PMID: 34880404 PMCID: PMC9343451 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00811-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is one of the best targets for therapeutic deep brain stimulation (DBS) to control motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. However, the precise circuitry underlying the effects of STN-DBS remains unclear. To understand how electrical stimulation affects STN projection neurons, we used a retrograde viral vector (AAV-retro-hSyn-eGFP) to label STN neurons projecting to the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) (STN-SNr neurons) or the globus pallidus interna (GPi) (STN-GPi neurons) in mice, and performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from these projection neurons in ex vivo brain slices. We found that STN-SNr neurons exhibited stronger responses to depolarizing stimulation than STN-GPi neurons. In most STN-SNr and STN-GPi neurons, inhibitory synaptic inputs predominated over excitatory inputs and electrical stimulation at 20-130 Hz inhibited these neurons in the short term; its longer-term effects varied. 6-OHDA lesion of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway significantly reduced inhibitory synaptic inputs in STN-GPi neurons, but did not change synaptic inputs in STN-SNr neurons; it enhanced short-term electrical-stimulation-induced inhibition in STN-SNr neurons but reversed the effect of short-term electrical stimulation on the firing rate in STN-GPi neurons from inhibitory to excitatory; in both STN-SNr and STN-GPi neurons, it increased the inhibition but attenuated the enhancement of firing rate induced by long-term electrical stimulation. Our results suggest that STN-SNr and STN-GPi neurons differ in their synaptic inputs, their responses to electrical stimulation, and their modification under parkinsonian conditions; STN-GPi neurons may play important roles in both the pathophysiology and therapeutic treatment of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Xiao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China. .,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China. .,NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
| | - Ya-wei Ji
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 China
| | - Yi-wen Luan
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 China ,grid.460176.20000 0004 1775 8598Department of Anesthesiology, Wuxi People’s Hospital, Wuxi, 214023 China
| | - Tao Jia
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 China
| | - Cui Yin
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 China ,grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 China ,grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 China
| | - Chun-yi Zhou
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 China ,grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 China ,grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004 China
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8
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Age-dependent alterations in key components of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system and distinct motor phenotypes. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:862-875. [PMID: 34244603 PMCID: PMC8975991 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00713-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DA) system, which includes DA neurons in the ventral and dorsal tiers of the substantia nigra pars compacta (vSNc, dSNc) and DA terminals in the dorsal striatum, is critically implicated in motor control. Accumulating studies demonstrate that both the nigrostriatal DA system and motor function are impaired in aged subjects. However, it is unknown whether dSNc and vSNc DA neurons and striatal DA terminals age in similar patterns, and whether these changes parallel motor deficits. To address this, we performed ex vivo patch-clamp recordings in dSNc and vSNc DA neurons, measured striatal dopamine release, and analyzed motor behaviors in rodents. Spontaneous firing in dSNc and vSNc DA neurons and depolarization-evoked firing in dSNc DA neurons showed inverse V-shaped changes with age. But depolarization-evoked firing in vSNc DA neurons increased with age. In the dorsal striatum, dopamine release declined with age. In locomotor tests, 12-month-old rodents showed hyperactive exploration, relative to 6- and 24-month-old rodents. Additionally, aged rodents showed significant deficits in coordination. Elevating dopamine levels with a dopamine transporter inhibitor improved both locomotion and coordination. Therefore, key components in the nigrostriatal DA system exhibit distinct aging patterns and may contribute to age-related alterations in locomotion and coordination.
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Tang DL, Luan YW, Zhou CY, Xiao C. D2 receptor activation relieves pain hypersensitivity by inhibiting superficial dorsal horn neurons in parkinsonian mice. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:189-198. [PMID: 32694753 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0433-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a common and undertreated nonmotor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). Although chronic pain is improved by L-dopa in some PD patients, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we established PD mice by unilateral microinjection of 6-OHDA in the medial forebrain bundle to investigate the contribution of spinal cord dopamine receptors to parkinsonian pain hypersensitivity. The von Frey filament tests and thermal pain tests revealed that these PD mice displayed decreased nociceptive thresholds in both hindpaws; intrathecal injection of L-dopa or apomorphine significantly increased the mechanical and thermal nociceptive thresholds, and the analgesic effect was mimicked by ropinirole (a D2 receptor agonist), but not SKF38393 (a D1/D5 receptor agonist), and blocked by sulpiride (a D2 receptor antagonist), but not SKF83566 (a D1/D5 receptor antagonist). Whole-cell recordings in lumber spinal cord slices showed that superficial dorsal horn (SDH) neurons in PD mice exhibited hyperexcitability, including more depolarized resting membrane potentials and more action potentials evoked by depolarizing current steps, which were mitigated by ropinirole. Furthermore, ropinirole inhibited the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in SDH neurons more strongly in PD mice than in control mice. However, sulpiride caused less disinhibition of sEPSCs in PD mice than in control mice. Taken together, our data reveal that pain hypersensitivity in PD mice is associated with hyperexcitability of SDH neurons, and both events are reversed by activation of spinal D2 receptors. Therefore, spinal D2 receptors can be promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of PD pain.
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Internal States Influence the Representation and Modulation of Food Intake by Subthalamic Neurons. Neurosci Bull 2020; 36:1355-1368. [PMID: 32567027 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-020-00533-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an effective therapy for motor deficits in Parkinson's disease (PD), but commonly causes weight gain in late-phase PD patients probably by increasing feeding motivation. It is unclear how STN neurons represent and modulate feeding behavior in different internal states. In the present study, we found that feeding caused a robust activation of STN neurons in mice (GCaMP6 signal increased by 48.4% ± 7.2%, n = 9, P = 0.0003), and the extent varied with the size, valence, and palatability of food, but not with the repetition of feeding. Interestingly, energy deprivation increased the spontaneous firing rate (8.5 ± 1.5 Hz, n = 17, versus 4.7 ± 0.7 Hz, n = 18, P = 0.03) and the depolarization-induced spikes in STN neurons, as well as enhanced the STN responses to feeding. Optogenetic experiments revealed that stimulation and inhibition of STN neurons respectively reduced (by 11% ± 6%, n = 6, P = 0.02) and enhanced (by 36% ± 15%, n = 7, P = 0.03) food intake only in the dark phase. In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that STN neurons are activated by feeding behavior, depending on energy homeostatic status and the palatability of food, and modulation of these neurons is sufficient to regulate food intake.
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Liu X, Yue C, Shi L, Liu G, Cao Q, Shan Q, Wang Y, Chen X, Li H, Wang J, Gao S, Niu M, Yu R. MALT1 is a potential therapeutic target in glioblastoma and plays a crucial role in EGFR-induced NF-κB activation. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:7550-7562. [PMID: 32452133 PMCID: PMC7339184 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant tumour in the adult brain and hard to treat. Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signalling has a crucial role in the tumorigenesis of GBM. EGFR signalling is an important driver of NF-κB activation in GBM; however, the correlation between EGFR and the NF-κB pathway remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of mucosa-associated lymphoma antigen 1 (MALT1) in glioma progression and evaluated the anti-tumour activity and effectiveness of MI-2, a MALT1 inhibitor in a pre-clinical GBM model. We identified a paracaspase MALT1 that is involved in EGFR-induced NF-kB activation in GBM. MALT1 deficiency or inhibition significantly affected the proliferation, survival, migration and invasion of GBM cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, MALT1 inhibition caused G1 cell cycle arrest by regulating multiple cell cycle-associated proteins. Mechanistically, MALTI inhibition blocks the degradation of IκBα and prevents the nuclear accumulation of the NF-κB p65 subunit in GBM cells. This study found that MALT1, a key signal transduction cascade, can mediate EGFR-induced NF-kB activation in GBM and may be potentially used as a novel therapeutic target for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Liu
- Insititute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chenglong Yue
- Insititute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Surgical Deparment 9, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lin Shi
- Insititute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Guanzheng Liu
- Insititute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiyu Cao
- Insititute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Shan
- Insititute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Wang
- Insititute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiangyu Chen
- Insititute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Huan Li
- Insititute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Insititute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shangfeng Gao
- Insititute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mingshan Niu
- Insititute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Rutong Yu
- Insititute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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Reversal of hyperactive subthalamic circuits differentially mitigates pain hypersensitivity phenotypes in parkinsonian mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:10045-10054. [PMID: 32312820 PMCID: PMC7211985 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1916263117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatments for pain symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) show inconsistent efficacy across clinical trials, largely owing to our limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying PD pain. Here, we demonstrate that overactivation of subthalamic nucleus (STN) neurons and their projections is adequate to produce a pain hypersensitivity phenotype, and that such overactivation is essential for the hypersensitivity in pain processing pathways and the maintenance of pain hypersensitivity observed in parkinsonian mice. These results suggest that inhibition of STN neurons may be a potential therapeutic strategy for pain relief in PD. Our finding that individual STN projections differentially regulate mechanical and thermal pain thresholds raises the possibility that individual STN projections may be optimal therapeutic targets for different pain phenotypes. Although pain is a prevalent nonmotor symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD), it is undertreated, in part because of our limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Considering that the basal ganglia are implicated in pain sensation, and that their synaptic outputs are controlled by the subthalamic nucleus (STN), we hypothesized that the STN might play a critical role in parkinsonian pain hypersensitivity. To test this hypothesis, we established a unilateral parkinsonian mouse model with moderate lesions of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The mice displayed pain hypersensitivity and neuronal hyperactivity in the ipsilesional STN and in central pain-processing nuclei. Optogenetic inhibition of STN neurons reversed pain hypersensitivity phenotypes in parkinsonian mice, while hyperactivity in the STN was sufficient to induce pain hypersensitivity in control mice. We further demonstrated that the STN differentially regulates thermal and mechanical pain thresholds through its projections to the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) and the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi)/ventral pallidum (VP), respectively. Interestingly, optogenetic inhibition of STN-GPi/STN-VP and STN-SNr projections differentially elevated mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in parkinsonian mice. In summary, our results support the hypothesis that the STN and its divergent projections play critical roles in modulating pain processing under both physiological and parkinsonian conditions, and suggest that inhibition of individual STN projections may be a therapeutic strategy to relieve distinct pain phenotypes in PD.
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