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Delling JP, Bauer HF, Gerlach-Arbeiter S, Schön M, Jacob C, Wagner J, Pedro MT, Knöll B, Boeckers TM. Combined expansion and STED microscopy reveals altered fingerprints of postsynaptic nanostructure across brain regions in ASD-related SHANK3-deficiency. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02559-9. [PMID: 38649753 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02559-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunction is a key feature of SHANK-associated disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Since detailed knowledge of their effect on synaptic nanostructure remains limited, we aimed to investigate such alterations in ex11|SH3 SHANK3-KO mice combining expansion and STED microscopy. This enabled high-resolution imaging of mosaic-like arrangements formed by synaptic proteins in both human and murine brain tissue. We found distinct shape-profiles as fingerprints of the murine postsynaptic scaffold across brain regions and genotypes, as well as alterations in the spatial and molecular organization of subsynaptic domains under SHANK3-deficient conditions. These results provide insights into synaptic nanostructure in situ and advance our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Delling
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, 89081, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, 80804, Germany.
| | | | | | - Michael Schön
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Christian Jacob
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Jan Wagner
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | | | - Bernd Knöll
- Institute of Neurobiochemistry, Ulm University, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, 89081, Germany.
- Ulm Site, DZNE, Ulm, 89081, Germany.
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2
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Cano-Astorga N, Plaza-Alonso S, DeFelipe J, Alonso-Nanclares L. 3D synaptic organization of layer III of the human anterior cingulate and temporopolar cortex. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:9691-9708. [PMID: 37455478 PMCID: PMC10472499 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad232] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The human anterior cingulate and temporopolar cortices have been proposed as highly connected nodes involved in high-order cognitive functions, but their synaptic organization is still basically unknown due to the difficulties involved in studying the human brain. Using Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB/SEM) to study the synaptic organization of the human brain obtained with a short post-mortem delay allows excellent results to be obtained. We have used this technology to analyze layer III of the anterior cingulate cortex (Brodmann area 24) and the temporopolar cortex, including the temporal pole (Brodmann area 38 ventral and dorsal) and anterior middle temporal gyrus (Brodmann area 21). Our results, based on 6695 synaptic junctions fully reconstructed in 3D, revealed that Brodmann areas 24, 21 and ventral area 38 showed similar synaptic density and synaptic size, whereas dorsal area 38 displayed the highest synaptic density and the smallest synaptic size. However, the proportion of the different types of synapses (excitatory and inhibitory), the postsynaptic targets, and the shapes of excitatory and inhibitory synapses were similar, regardless of the region examined. These observations indicate that certain aspects of the synaptic organization are rather homogeneous, whereas others show specific variations across cortical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Cano-Astorga
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda. Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, Autonoma de Madrid University - Cajal Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Plaza-Alonso
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda. Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier DeFelipe
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda. Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Valderrebollo 5, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Alonso-Nanclares
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda. Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Valderrebollo 5, 28031 Madrid, Spain
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3
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Villanueva CB, Stephensen HJT, Mokso R, Benraiss A, Sporring J, Goldman SA. Astrocytic engagement of the corticostriatal synaptic cleft is disrupted in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2210719120. [PMID: 37279261 PMCID: PMC10268590 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2210719120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Astroglial dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease (HD), and glial replacement can ameliorate the disease course. To establish the topographic relationship of diseased astrocytes to medium spiny neuron (MSN) synapses in HD, we used 2-photon imaging to map the relationship of turboRFP-tagged striatal astrocytes and rabies-traced, EGFP-tagged coupled neuronal pairs in R6/2 HD and wild-type (WT) mice. The tagged, prospectively identified corticostriatal synapses were then studied by correlated light electron microscopy followed by serial block-face scanning EM, allowing nanometer-scale assessment of synaptic structure in 3D. By this means, we compared the astrocytic engagement of single striatal synapses in HD and WT brains. R6/2 HD astrocytes exhibited constricted domains, with significantly less coverage of mature dendritic spines than WT astrocytes, despite enhanced engagement of immature, thin spines. These data suggest that disease-dependent changes in the astroglial engagement and sequestration of MSN synapses enable the high synaptic and extrasynaptic levels of glutamate and K+ that underlie striatal hyperexcitability in HD. As such, these data suggest that astrocytic structural pathology may causally contribute to the synaptic dysfunction and disease phenotype of those neurodegenerative disorders characterized by network overexcitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Benitez Villanueva
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen N2200, Denmark
| | - Hans J. T. Stephensen
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen N2200, Denmark
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Science, Copenhagen N2200, Denmark
| | - Rajmund Mokso
- Faculty of Engineering, Division of Solid Mechanics, Lund University, Lund22100, Sweden
| | - Abdellatif Benraiss
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY14642
| | - Jon Sporring
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Science, Copenhagen N2200, Denmark
| | - Steven A. Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen N2200, Denmark
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY14642
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4
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Fehr T, Janssen WG, Park J, Baxter MG. Neonatal exposures to sevoflurane in rhesus monkeys alter synaptic ultrastructure in later life. iScience 2022; 25:105685. [PMID: 36567715 PMCID: PMC9772858 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated or prolonged early life exposure to anesthesia is neurotoxic in animals and associated with neurocognitive impairment in later life in humans. We used electron microscopy with unbiased stereological sampling to assess synaptic ultrastructure in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and hippocampal CA1 of female and male rhesus monkeys, four years after three 4-h exposures to sevoflurane during the first five postnatal weeks. This allowed us to ascertain long-term consequences of anesthesia exposure without confounding effects of surgery or illness. Synapse areas were reduced in the largest synapses in CA1 and dlPFC, predominantly in perforated spinous synapses in CA1 and nonperforated spinous synapses in dlPFC. Mitochondrial morphology and localization changed subtly in both areas. Synapse areas in CA1 correlated with response to a mild social stressor. Thus, exposure to anesthesia in infancy can cause long-term ultrastructural changes in primates, which may be substrates for long-term alterations in synaptic transmission and behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Fehr
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA,Section on Comparative Medicine, Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - William G.M. Janssen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Janis Park
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Mark G. Baxter
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA,Section on Comparative Medicine, Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA,Corresponding author
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5
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Alonso‐Nanclares L, Rodríguez JR, Merchan‐Perez A, González‐Soriano J, Plaza‐Alonso S, Cano‐Astorga N, Naumann RK, Brecht M, DeFelipe J. Cortical synapses of the world's smallest mammal: An FIB/SEM study in the Etruscan shrew. J Comp Neurol 2022; 531:390-414. [PMID: 36413612 PMCID: PMC10100312 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The main aim of the present study was to determine if synapses from the exceptionally small brain of the Etruscan shrew show any peculiarities compared to the much larger human brain. We analyzed the cortical synaptic density and a variety of structural characteristics of 7,239 3D reconstructed synapses, using using Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB/SEM). We found that some of the general synaptic characteristics are remarkably similar to those found in the human cerebral cortex. However, the cortical volume of the human brain is about 50,000 times larger than the cortical volume of the Etruscan shrew, while the total number of cortical synapses in human is only 20,000 times the number of synapses in the shrew, and synaptic junctions are 35% smaller in the Etruscan shrew. Thus, the differences in the number and size of synapses cannot be attributed to a brain size scaling effect but rather to adaptations of synaptic circuits to particular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Alonso‐Nanclares
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón Madrid Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Interdisciplinary Platform Cajal Blue Brain Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) Madrid Spain
| | - J. Rodrigo Rodríguez
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón Madrid Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Interdisciplinary Platform Cajal Blue Brain Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) Madrid Spain
| | - Angel Merchan‐Perez
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón Madrid Spain
- Departamento de Arquitectura y Tecnología de Sistemas Informáticos Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón Madrid Spain
| | - Juncal González‐Soriano
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón Madrid Spain
- Veterinary School Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Sergio Plaza‐Alonso
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón Madrid Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Interdisciplinary Platform Cajal Blue Brain Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) Madrid Spain
| | - Nicolás Cano‐Astorga
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón Madrid Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Interdisciplinary Platform Cajal Blue Brain Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) Madrid Spain
- PhD Program in Neuroscience Autonoma de Madrid University—Cajal Institute Madrid Spain
| | - Robert K. Naumann
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen‐Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science‐Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions Shenzhen 518055 People's Republic of China
| | - Michael Brecht
- Department of Animal Physiology/Systems Neurobiology and Neural Computation Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Humboldt University of Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Javier DeFelipe
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcón Madrid Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Interdisciplinary Platform Cajal Blue Brain Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) Madrid Spain
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6
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Cano-Astorga N, DeFelipe J, Alonso-Nanclares L. Three-Dimensional Synaptic Organization of Layer III of the Human Temporal Neocortex. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:4742-4764. [PMID: 33999122 PMCID: PMC8408440 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we have used focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) to perform a study of the synaptic organization of layer III of Brodmann's area 21 in human tissue samples obtained from autopsies and biopsies. We analyzed the synaptic density, 3D spatial distribution, and type (asymmetric/symmetric), as well as the size and shape of each synaptic junction of 4945 synapses that were fully reconstructed in 3D. Significant differences in the mean synaptic density between autopsy and biopsy samples were found (0.49 and 0.66 synapses/μm3, respectively). However, in both types of samples (autopsy and biopsy), the asymmetric:symmetric ratio was similar (93:7) and most asymmetric synapses were established on dendritic spines (75%), while most symmetric synapses were established on dendritic shafts (85%). We also compared several electron microscopy methods and analysis tools to estimate the synaptic density in the same brain tissue. We have shown that FIB/SEM is much more reliable and robust than the majority of the other commonly used EM techniques. The present work constitutes a detailed description of the synaptic organization of cortical layer III. Further studies on the rest of the cortical layers are necessary to better understand the functional organization of this temporal cortical region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Cano-Astorga
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28223, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid 28002, Spain
| | - Javier DeFelipe
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28223, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid 28002, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
| | - Lidia Alonso-Nanclares
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28223, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid 28002, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
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7
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Alimohamadi H, Bell MK, Halpain S, Rangamani P. Mechanical Principles Governing the Shapes of Dendritic Spines. Front Physiol 2021; 12:657074. [PMID: 34220531 PMCID: PMC8242199 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.657074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic spines are small, bulbous protrusions along the dendrites of neurons and are sites of excitatory postsynaptic activity. The morphology of spines has been implicated in their function in synaptic plasticity and their shapes have been well-characterized, but the potential mechanics underlying their shape development and maintenance have not yet been fully understood. In this work, we explore the mechanical principles that could underlie specific shapes using a minimal biophysical model of membrane-actin interactions. Using this model, we first identify the possible force regimes that give rise to the classic spine shapes-stubby, filopodia, thin, and mushroom-shaped spines. We also use this model to investigate how the spine neck might be stabilized using periodic rings of actin or associated proteins. Finally, we use this model to predict that the cooperation between force generation and ring structures can regulate the energy landscape of spine shapes across a wide range of tensions. Thus, our study provides insights into how mechanical aspects of actin-mediated force generation and tension can play critical roles in spine shape maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleh Alimohamadi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Miriam K. Bell
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Shelley Halpain
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Section of Neurobiology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Padmini Rangamani
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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8
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Petralia RS, Yao PJ, Kapogiannis D, Wang YX. Invaginating Structures in Synapses - Perspective. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:685052. [PMID: 34108873 PMCID: PMC8180840 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.685052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Invaginating structures are common in the synapses of most animals. However, the details of these invaginating structures remain understudied in part because they are not well resolved in light microscopy and were often misidentified in early electron microscope (EM) studies. Utilizing experimental techniques along with the latest advances in microscopy, such as focused ion beam-scanning EM (FIB-SEM), evidence is gradually building to suggest that the synaptic invaginating structures contribute to synapse development, maintenance, and plasticity. These invaginating structures are most elaborate in synapses mediating rapid integration of signals, such as muscle contraction, mechanoreception, and vision. Here we argue that the synaptic invaginations should be considered in future studies seeking to understand their role in sensory integration and coordination, learning, and memory. We review the various types of invaginating structures in the synapses and discuss their potential functions. We also present several new examples of invaginating structures from a variety of animals including Drosophila and mice, mainly using FIB-SEM, with which we trace the form and arrangement of these structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald S. Petralia
- Advanced Imaging Core, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Pamela J. Yao
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Dimitrios Kapogiannis
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ya-Xian Wang
- Advanced Imaging Core, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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9
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Tellios V, Maksoud MJE, Xiang YY, Lu WY. Nitric Oxide Critically Regulates Purkinje Neuron Dendritic Development Through a Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Type 1-Mediated Mechanism. THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 19:510-526. [PMID: 32270464 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01125-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO), specifically derived from neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), is a well-established regulator of synaptic transmission in Purkinje neurons (PNs), governing fundamental processes such as motor learning and coordination. Previous phenotypic analyses showed similar cerebellar structures between neuronal nitric oxide null (nNOS-/-) and wild-type (WT) adult male mice, despite prominent ataxic behavior within nNOS-/- mice. However, a study has yet to characterize PN molecular structure and their excitatory inputs during development in nNOS-/- mice. This study is the first to explore morphological abnormalities within the cerebellum of nNOS-/- mice, using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. This study sought to examine PN dendritic morphology and the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1 (mGluR1), vesicular glutamate transporter type 1 and 2 (vGluT1 and vGluT2), stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), and calpain-1 within PNs of WT and nNOS-/- mice at postnatal day 7 (PD7), 2 weeks (2W), and 7 weeks (7W) of age. Results showed a decrease in PN dendritic branching at PD7 in nNOS-/- cerebella, while aberrant dendritic spine formation was noted in adult ages. Total protein expression of mGluR1 was decreased in nNOS-/- cerebella across development, while vGluT2, STIM1, and calpain-1 were significantly increased. Ex vivo treatment of WT slices with NOS inhibitor L-NAME increased calpain-1 expression, whereas treating nNOS-/- cerebellar slices with NO donor NOC-18 decreased calpain-1. Moreover, mGluR1 agonist DHPG increased calpain-1 in WT, but not in nNOS-/- slices. Together, these results indicate a novel role for nNOS/NO signaling in PN development, particularly by regulating an mGluR1-initiated calcium signaling mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tellios
- Graduate Program of Neuroscience, The University of Western Ontario, London, N6A 5B7, Canada.,Robarts Research Institute, London, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Matthew J E Maksoud
- Graduate Program of Neuroscience, The University of Western Ontario, London, N6A 5B7, Canada.,Robarts Research Institute, London, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | | | - Wei-Yang Lu
- Graduate Program of Neuroscience, The University of Western Ontario, London, N6A 5B7, Canada. .,Robarts Research Institute, London, N6A 5B7, Canada. .,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, N6A 5B7, Canada.
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10
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The importance of ultrastructural analysis of memory. Brain Res Bull 2021; 173:28-36. [PMID: 33984429 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Plasticity of glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus is believed to underlie learning and memory processes. Surprisingly, very few studies report long-lasting structural changes of synapses induced by behavioral training. It remains, therefore, unclear which synaptic changes in the hippocampus contribute to memory storage. Here, we systematically compare how long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission (LTP) (a primary form of synaptic plasticity and cellular model of memory) and behavioral training affect hippocampal glutamatergic synapses at the ultrastructural level enabled by electron microscopy. The review of the literature indicates that while LTP induces growth of dendritic spines and post-synaptic densities (PSD), that represent postsynaptic part of a glutamatergic synapse, after behavioral training there is transient (< 6 h) synaptogenesis and long-lasting (> 24 h) increase in PSD volume (without a significant change of dendritic spine volume), indicating that training-induced PSD growth may reflect long-term enhancement of synaptic functions. Additionally, formation of multi-innervated spines (MIS), is associated with long-term memory in aged mice and LTP-deficient mutant mice. Since volume of PSD, as well as atypical synapses, can be reliably observed only with electron microscopy, we argue that the ultrastructural level of analysis is required to reveal synaptic changes that are associated with long-term storage of information in the brain.
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11
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Domínguez-Álvaro M, Montero-Crespo M, Blazquez-Llorca L, Plaza-Alonso S, Cano-Astorga N, DeFelipe J, Alonso-Nanclares L. 3D Analysis of the Synaptic Organization in the Entorhinal Cortex in Alzheimer's Disease. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0504-20.2021. [PMID: 34039651 PMCID: PMC8225407 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0504-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The entorhinal cortex (EC) is especially vulnerable in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular, cognitive deficits have been linked to alterations in the upper layers of EC. In the present report, we examined Layers II and III from eight human brain autopsies (four subjects with no recorded neurologic alterations and four AD cases). We used stereological methods to assess cortical atrophy of the EC and possible changes in the volume occupied by different cortical elements (neuronal and glial cell bodies; blood vessels; and neuropil). We performed 3D ultrastructural analyses of synapses using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) to examine possible alterations related to AD. At the light microscope level, we found a significantly lower volume fraction occupied by neuronal bodies in Layer III and a higher volume fraction occupied by glial cell bodies in Layer II in AD cases. At the ultrastructural level, we observed that (1) there was a significantly lower synaptic density in both layers in AD cases; (2) synapses were larger and more complex in Layer II in AD cases; and (3) there was a greater proportion of small and simple synapses in Layer III in AD cases than in control individuals. These structural differences may play a role in the anatomic basis for the impairment of cognitive functions in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Domínguez-Álvaro
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28223, Spain
| | - M Montero-Crespo
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28223, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid 28002, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Blazquez-Llorca
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28223, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III 28031, Madrid, Spain
- Sección Departamental de Anatomía y Embriología (Veterinaria), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - S Plaza-Alonso
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28223, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid 28002, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | - N Cano-Astorga
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28223, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid 28002, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | - J DeFelipe
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28223, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid 28002, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Alonso-Nanclares
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28223, Spain
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid 28002, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III 28031, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Blazquez-Llorca L, Miguéns M, Montero-Crespo M, Selvas A, Gonzalez-Soriano J, Ambrosio E, DeFelipe J. 3D Synaptic Organization of the Rat CA1 and Alterations Induced by Cocaine Self-Administration. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:1927-1952. [PMID: 33253368 PMCID: PMC7945021 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus plays a key role in contextual conditioning and has been proposed as an important component of the cocaine addiction brain circuit. To gain knowledge about cocaine-induced alterations in this circuit, we used focused ion beam milling/scanning electron microscopy to reveal and quantify the three-dimensional synaptic organization of the neuropil of the stratum radiatum of the rat CA1, under normal circumstances and after cocaine-self administration (SA). Most synapses are asymmetric (excitatory), macular-shaped, and in contact with dendritic spine heads. After cocaine-SA, the size and the complexity of the shape of both asymmetric and symmetric (inhibitory) synapses increased but no changes were observed in the synaptic density. This work constitutes the first detailed report on the 3D synaptic organization in the stratum radiatum of the CA1 field of cocaine-SA rats. Our data contribute to the elucidation of the normal and altered synaptic organization of the hippocampus, which is crucial for better understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying cocaine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Blazquez-Llorca
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain.,Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain.,Sección Departamental de Anatomía y Embriología (Veterinaria), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Miguéns
- Departamento de Psicología Básica I, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Montero-Crespo
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - A Selvas
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - J Gonzalez-Soriano
- Sección Departamental de Anatomía y Embriología (Veterinaria), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - E Ambrosio
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - J DeFelipe
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28002 Madrid, Spain
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13
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Montero-Crespo M, Domínguez-Álvaro M, Alonso-Nanclares L, DeFelipe J, Blazquez-Llorca L. Three-dimensional analysis of synaptic organization in the hippocampal CA1 field in Alzheimer's disease. Brain 2021; 144:553-573. [PMID: 33324984 PMCID: PMC8240746 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, characterized by a persistent and progressive impairment of cognitive functions. Alzheimer's disease is typically associated with extracellular deposits of amyloid-β peptide and accumulation of abnormally phosphorylated tau protein inside neurons (amyloid-β and neurofibrillary pathologies). It has been proposed that these pathologies cause neuronal degeneration and synaptic alterations, which are thought to constitute the major neurobiological basis of cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. The hippocampal formation is especially vulnerable in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. However, the vast majority of electron microscopy studies have been performed in animal models. In the present study, we performed an extensive 3D study of the neuropil to investigate the synaptic organization in the stratum pyramidale and radiatum in the CA1 field of Alzheimer's disease cases with different stages of the disease, using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM). In cases with early stages of Alzheimer's disease, the synapse morphology looks normal and we observed no significant differences between control and Alzheimer's disease cases regarding the synaptic density, the ratio of excitatory and inhibitory synapses, or the spatial distribution of synapses. However, differences in the distribution of postsynaptic targets and synaptic shapes were found. Furthermore, a lower proportion of larger excitatory synapses in both strata were found in Alzheimer's disease cases. Individuals in late stages of the disease suffered the most severe synaptic alterations, including a decrease in synaptic density and morphological alterations of the remaining synapses. Since Alzheimer's disease cases show cortical atrophy, our data indicate a reduction in the total number (but not the density) of synapses at early stages of the disease, with this reduction being much more accentuated in subjects with late stages of Alzheimer's disease. The observed synaptic alterations may represent a structural basis for the progressive learning and memory dysfunctions seen in Alzheimer's disease cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Montero-Crespo
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Av. Doctor Arce, 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Domínguez-Álvaro
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Alonso-Nanclares
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Av. Doctor Arce, 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, c/Valderrebollo, 5, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier DeFelipe
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Av. Doctor Arce, 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, c/Valderrebollo, 5, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Blazquez-Llorca
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIII, c/Valderrebollo, 5, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), c/Juan del Rosal, 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Sección Departamental de Anatomía y Embriología (Veterinaria), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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14
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Irollo E, Luchetta J, Ho C, Nash B, Meucci O. Mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4283-4303. [PMID: 33585975 PMCID: PMC8164580 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03785-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is characterized by cognitive and behavioral deficits in people living with HIV. HAND is still common in patients that take antiretroviral therapies, although they tend to present with less severe symptoms. The continued prevalence of HAND in treated patients is a major therapeutic challenge, as even minor cognitive impairment decreases patient’s quality of life. Therefore, modern HAND research aims to broaden our understanding of the mechanisms that drive cognitive impairment in people with HIV and identify promising molecular pathways and targets that could be exploited therapeutically. Recent studies suggest that HAND in treated patients is at least partially induced by subtle synaptodendritic damage and disruption of neuronal networks in brain areas that mediate learning, memory, and executive functions. Although the causes of subtle neuronal dysfunction are varied, reversing synaptodendritic damage in animal models restores cognitive function and thus highlights a promising therapeutic approach. In this review, we examine evidence of synaptodendritic damage and disrupted neuronal connectivity in HAND from clinical neuroimaging and neuropathology studies and discuss studies in HAND models that define structural and functional impairment of neurotransmission. Then, we report molecular pathways, mechanisms, and comorbidities involved in this neuronal dysfunction, discuss new approaches to reverse neuronal damage, and highlight current gaps in knowledge. Continued research on the manifestation and mechanisms of synaptic injury and network dysfunction in HAND patients and experimental models will be critical if we are to develop safe and effective therapies that reverse subtle neuropathology and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Irollo
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Jared Luchetta
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Chunta Ho
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Bradley Nash
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Olimpia Meucci
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA. .,Center for Neuroimmunology and CNS Therapeutics, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
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15
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Glutamatergic Dysfunction and Synaptic Ultrastructural Alterations in Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence from Human and Rodent Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010059. [PMID: 33374598 PMCID: PMC7793137 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The correlation between dysfunction in the glutamatergic system and neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder, is undisputed. Both disorders are associated with molecular and ultrastructural alterations that affect synaptic plasticity and thus the molecular and physiological basis of learning and memory. Altered synaptic plasticity, accompanied by changes in protein synthesis and trafficking of postsynaptic proteins, as well as structural modifications of excitatory synapses, are critically involved in the postnatal development of the mammalian nervous system. In this review, we summarize glutamatergic alterations and ultrastructural changes in synapses in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder of genetic or drug-related origin, and briefly comment on the possible reversibility of these neuropsychiatric disorders in the light of findings in regular synaptic physiology.
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16
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Cortical Presynaptic Boutons Progressively Engulf Spinules as They Mature. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0426-19.2020. [PMID: 32958478 PMCID: PMC7568603 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0426-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of discussion in the neuroanatomical literature, the role of the synaptic "spinule" in synaptic development and function remains elusive. Canonically, spinules are finger-like projections that emerge from postsynaptic spines and can become enveloped by presynaptic boutons. When a presynaptic bouton encapsulates a spinule in this manner, the membrane apposition between the spinule and surrounding bouton can be significantly larger than the membrane interface at the synaptic active zone. Hence, spinules may represent a mechanism for extrasynaptic neuronal communication and/or may function as structural "anchors" that increase the stability of cortical synapses. Yet despite their potential to impact synaptic function, we have little information on the percentages of developing and adult cortical bouton populations that contain spinules, the percentages of these cortical spinule-bearing boutons (SBBs) that contain spinules from distinct neuronal/glial origins, or whether the onset of activity or cortical plasticity are correlated with increased prevalence of cortical SBBs. Here, we employed 2D and 3D electron microscopy to determine the prevalence of spinules in excitatory presynaptic boutons at key developmental time points in the primary visual cortex (V1) of female and male ferrets. We find that the prevalence of SBBs in V1 increases across postnatal development, such that ∼25% of excitatory boutons in late adolescent ferret V1 contain spinules. In addition, we find that a majority of spinules within SBBs at later developmental time points emerge from postsynaptic spines and adjacent boutons/axons, suggesting that synaptic spinules may enhance synaptic stability and allow for axo-axonal communication in mature sensory cortex.
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17
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Domínguez-Álvaro M, Montero-Crespo M, Blazquez-Llorca L, DeFelipe J, Alonso-Nanclares L. 3D Ultrastructural Study of Synapses in the Human Entorhinal Cortex. Cereb Cortex 2020; 31:410-425. [PMID: 32887978 PMCID: PMC7727377 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The entorhinal cortex (EC) is a brain region that has been shown to be essential for memory functions and spatial navigation. However, detailed three-dimensional (3D) synaptic morphology analysis and identification of postsynaptic targets at the ultrastructural level have not been performed before in the human EC. In the present study, we used Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscopy to perform a 3D analysis of the synapses in the neuropil of medial EC in layers II and III from human brain autopsies. Specifically, we studied synaptic structural parameters of 3561 synapses, which were fully reconstructed in 3D. We analyzed the synaptic density, 3D spatial distribution, and type (excitatory and inhibitory), as well as the shape and size of each synaptic junction. Moreover, the postsynaptic targets of synapses could be clearly determined. The present work constitutes a detailed description of the synaptic organization of the human EC, which is a necessary step to better understand the functional organization of this region in both health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Domínguez-Álvaro
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid 28223, Spain
| | - M Montero-Crespo
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid 28223, Spain.,Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda. Doctor Arce, 37 Madrid, 28002, Spain
| | - L Blazquez-Llorca
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid 28223, Spain.,Depto. Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), c/Juan del Rosal, 10, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - J DeFelipe
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid 28223, Spain.,Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda. Doctor Arce, 37 Madrid, 28002, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), c/Valderrebollo, 5, Madrid 28031, Spain
| | - L Alonso-Nanclares
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid 28223, Spain.,Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda. Doctor Arce, 37 Madrid, 28002, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), c/Valderrebollo, 5, Madrid 28031, Spain
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18
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Montero-Crespo M, Dominguez-Alvaro M, Rondon-Carrillo P, Alonso-Nanclares L, DeFelipe J, Blazquez-Llorca L. Three-dimensional synaptic organization of the human hippocampal CA1 field. eLife 2020; 9:e57013. [PMID: 32690133 PMCID: PMC7375818 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampal CA1 field integrates a wide variety of subcortical and cortical inputs, but its synaptic organization in humans is still unknown due to the difficulties involved studying the human brain via electron microscope techniques. However, we have shown that the 3D reconstruction method using Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB/SEM) can be applied to study in detail the synaptic organization of the human brain obtained from autopsies, yielding excellent results. Using this technology, 24,752 synapses were fully reconstructed in CA1, revealing that most of them were excitatory, targeting dendritic spines and displaying a macular shape, regardless of the layer examined. However, remarkable differences were observed between layers. These data constitute the first extensive description of the synaptic organization of the neuropil of the human CA1 region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Montero-Crespo
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)MadridSpain
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Marta Dominguez-Alvaro
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Patricia Rondon-Carrillo
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Lidia Alonso-Nanclares
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)MadridSpain
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de MadridMadridSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIIIMadridSpain
| | - Javier DeFelipe
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)MadridSpain
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de MadridMadridSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), ISCIIIMadridSpain
| | - Lidia Blazquez-Llorca
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de MadridMadridSpain
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED)MadridSpain
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19
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Nash B, Festa L, Lin C, Meucci O. Opioid and chemokine regulation of cortical synaptodendritic damage in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Brain Res 2019; 1723:146409. [PMID: 31465771 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persist despite effective antiretroviral therapies (ART). Evidence suggests that modern HAND is driven by subtle synaptodendritic damage in select brain regions, as ART-treated patients do not display overt neuronal death in postmortem brain studies. HAND symptoms are also aggravated by drug abuse, particularly with injection opioids. Opioid use produces region-specific synaptodendritic damage in similar brain regions, suggesting a convergent mechanism that may enhance HAND progression in opioid-using patients. Importantly, studies indicate that synaptodendritic damage and cognitive impairment in HAND may be reversible. Activation of the homeostatic chemokine receptor CXCR4 by its natural ligand CXCL12 positively regulates neuronal survival and dendritic spine density in cortical neurons, reducing functional deficits. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie CXCR4, as well as opioid-mediated regulation of dendritic spines are not completely defined. Here, we will consolidate studies that describe the region-specific synaptodendritic damage in the cerebral cortex of patients and animal models of HAND, describe the pathways by which opioids may contribute to cortical synaptodendritic damage, and discuss the prospects of using the CXCR4 signaling pathway to identify new approaches to reverse dendritic spine deficits. Additionally, we will discuss novel research questions that have emerged from recent studies of CXCR4 and µ-opioid actions in the cortex. Understanding the pathways that underlie synaptodendritic damage and rescue are necessary for developing novel, effective therapeutics for this growing patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Nash
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
| | - Lindsay Festa
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
| | - Chihyang Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
| | - Olimpia Meucci
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
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20
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3D Electron Microscopy Study of Synaptic Organization of the Normal Human Transentorhinal Cortex and Its Possible Alterations in Alzheimer's Disease. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0140-19.2019. [PMID: 31217195 PMCID: PMC6620390 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0140-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The transentorhinal cortex (TEC) is an obliquely oriented cortex located in the medial temporal lobe and, together with the entorhinal cortex, is one of the first affected areas in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). One of the most widely accepted hypotheses is that synaptopathy (synaptic alterations and loss) represents the major structural correlate of the cognitive decline observed in AD. However, very few electron microscope (EM) studies are available; the most common method to estimate synaptic density indirectly is by counting, at the light microscopic level, immunoreactive puncta using synaptic markers. To investigate synaptic morphology and possible alterations related to AD, a detailed three-dimensional (3D) ultrastructural analysis using focused ion beam/scanning EM (FIB/SEM) was performed in the neuropil of Layer II of the TEC in human brain samples from non-demented subjects and AD patients. Evaluation of the proportion and shape of asymmetric synapses (AS) and symmetric synapses (SS) targeting spines or dendritic shafts was performed using 3D reconstructions of every synapse. The 3D analysis of 4722 synapses revealed that the preferable targets were spine heads for AS and dendritic shafts for SS, both in control and AD cases. However, in AD patients, we observed a reduction in the percentage of synapses targeting spine heads. Regarding the shape of synapses, in both control cases and AD samples, the vast majority of synapses had a macular shape, followed by perforated or horseshoe-shaped synapses, with fragmented synapses being the least frequent type. Moreover, comparisons showed an increased number of fragmented AS in AD patients.
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21
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Yang X, Specht CG. Subsynaptic Domains in Super-Resolution Microscopy: The Treachery of Images. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:161. [PMID: 31312120 PMCID: PMC6614521 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of super-resolution optical microscopy to investigating synaptic structures has revealed a highly heterogeneous and variable intra-synaptic organization. Dense subsynaptic protein assemblies named subsynaptic domains or SSDs have been proposed as structural units that regulate the efficacy of neuronal transmission. However, an in-depth characterization of SSDs has been hampered by technical limitations of super-resolution microscopy of synapses, namely the stochasticity of the signals during the imaging procedures and the variability of the synaptic structures. Here, we synthetize the available evidence for the existence of SSDs at central synapses, as well as the possible functional relevance of SSDs. In particular, we discuss the possible regulation of co-transmission at mixed inhibitory synapses as a consequence of the subsynaptic distribution of glycine receptors (GlyRs) and GABAA receptors (GABAARs). LAY ABSTRACT Super-resolution imaging strategies bypass the resolution limit of conventional optical microscopy and have given new insights into the distribution of proteins at synapses in the central nervous system. Neurotransmitter receptors and scaffold proteins appear to occupy specialized locations within synapses that we refer to as subsynaptic domains or SSDs. Interestingly, these SSDs are highly dynamic and their formation seems to be related to the remodeling of synapses during synaptic plasticity. It was also shown that SSDs of pre-and post-synaptic proteins are aligned in so-called nanocolumns, highlighting the role of SSDs in the regulation of synaptic transmission. Despite recent advances, however, the detection of SSDs with super-resolution microscopy remains difficult due to the inherent technical limitations of these approaches that are discussed in this review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Yang
- École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institute of Biology (IBENS), Paris, France
| | - Christian G Specht
- École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institute of Biology (IBENS), Paris, France
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Lazaro MT, Taxidis J, Shuman T, Bachmutsky I, Ikrar T, Santos R, Marcello GM, Mylavarapu A, Chandra S, Foreman A, Goli R, Tran D, Sharma N, Azhdam M, Dong H, Choe KY, Peñagarikano O, Masmanidis SC, Rácz B, Xu X, Geschwind DH, Golshani P. Reduced Prefrontal Synaptic Connectivity and Disturbed Oscillatory Population Dynamics in the CNTNAP2 Model of Autism. Cell Rep 2019; 27:2567-2578.e6. [PMID: 31141683 PMCID: PMC6553483 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in CNTNAP2 cause a syndromic form of autism spectrum disorder in humans and produce social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and seizures in mice. However, the functional effects of these mutations at cellular and circuit levels remain elusive. Using laser-scanning photostimulation, whole-cell recordings, and electron microscopy, we found a dramatic decrease in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs onto L2/3 pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of Cntnap2 knockout (KO) mice, concurrent with reduced spines and synapses, despite normal dendritic complexity and intrinsic excitability. Moreover, recording of mPFC local field potentials (LFPs) and unit spiking in vivo revealed increased activity in inhibitory neurons, reduced phase-locking to delta and theta oscillations, and delayed phase preference during locomotion. Excitatory neurons showed similar phase modulation changes at delta frequencies. Finally, pairwise correlations increased during immobility in KO mice. Thus, reduced synaptic inputs can yield perturbed temporal coordination of neuronal firing in cortical ensembles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria T Lazaro
- Interdepartmental Program for Neuroscience, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jiannis Taxidis
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tristan Shuman
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Iris Bachmutsky
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Taruna Ikrar
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Rommel Santos
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - G Mark Marcello
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Apoorva Mylavarapu
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Swasty Chandra
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Allison Foreman
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rachna Goli
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Duy Tran
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nikhil Sharma
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Azhdam
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hongmei Dong
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katrina Y Choe
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Olga Peñagarikano
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vizcaya, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sotiris C Masmanidis
- Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bence Rácz
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Xiangmin Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Intellectual Development and Disabilities Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Peyman Golshani
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Intellectual Development and Disabilities Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA.
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Study of the Size and Shape of Synapses in the Juvenile Rat Somatosensory Cortex with 3D Electron Microscopy. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-NWR-0377-17. [PMID: 29387782 PMCID: PMC5790755 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0377-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the size of the synaptic junction are thought to have significant functional consequences. We used focused ion beam milling and scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) to obtain stacks of serial sections from the six layers of the rat somatosensory cortex. We have segmented in 3D a large number of synapses (n = 6891) to analyze the size and shape of excitatory (asymmetric) and inhibitory (symmetric) synapses, using dedicated software. This study provided three main findings. Firstly, the mean synaptic sizes were smaller for asymmetric than for symmetric synapses in all cortical layers. In all cases, synaptic junction sizes followed a log-normal distribution. Secondly, most cortical synapses had disc-shaped postsynaptic densities (PSDs; 93%). A few were perforated (4.5%), while a smaller proportion (2.5%) showed a tortuous horseshoe-shaped perimeter. Thirdly, the curvature was larger for symmetric than for asymmetric synapses in all layers. However, there was no correlation between synaptic area and curvature.
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24
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Kim SY, Hsu JE, Husbands LC, Kleim JA, Jones TA. Coordinated Plasticity of Synapses and Astrocytes Underlies Practice-Driven Functional Vicariation in Peri-Infarct Motor Cortex. J Neurosci 2018; 38:93-107. [PMID: 29133435 PMCID: PMC5761439 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1295-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor rehabilitative training after stroke can improve motor function and promote topographical reorganization of remaining motor cortical movement representations, but this reorganization follows behavioral improvements. A more detailed understanding of the neural bases of rehabilitation efficacy is needed to inform therapeutic efforts to improve it. Using a rat model of upper extremity impairments after ischemic stroke, we examined effects of motor rehabilitative training at the ultrastructural level in peri-infarct motor cortex. Extensive training in a skilled reaching task promoted improved performance and recovery of more normal movements. This was linked with greater axodendritic synapse density and ultrastructural characteristics of enhanced synaptic efficacy that were coordinated with changes in perisynaptic astrocytic processes in the border region between head and forelimb areas of peri-infarct motor cortex. Disrupting synapses and motor maps by infusions of anisomycin (ANI) into anatomically reorganized motor, but not posterior parietal, cortex eliminated behavioral gains from rehabilitative training. In contrast, ANI infusion in the equivalent cortical region of intact animals had no effect on reaching skills. These results suggest that rehabilitative training efficacy for improving manual skills is mediated by synaptic plasticity in a region of motor cortex that, before lesions, is not essential for manual skills, but becomes so as a result of the training. These findings support that experience-driven synaptic structural reorganization underlies functional vicariation in residual motor cortex after motor cortical infarcts.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability. Motor rehabilitation, the main treatment for physical disability, is of variable efficacy. A better understanding of neural mechanisms underlying effective motor rehabilitation would inform strategies for improving it. Here, we reveal synaptic underpinnings of effective motor rehabilitation. Rehabilitative training improved manual skill in the paretic forelimb and induced the formation of special synapse subtypes in coordination with structural changes in astrocytes, a glial cell that influences neural communication. These changes were found in a region that is nonessential for manual skill in intact animals, but came to mediate this skill due to training after stroke. Therefore, motor rehabilitation efficacy depends on synaptic changes that enable remaining brain regions to assume new functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Young Kim
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720,
| | - J Edward Hsu
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030
- Institute for Neuroscience
| | | | - Jeffrey A Kleim
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287
| | - Theresa A Jones
- Institute for Neuroscience
- Psychology Department, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712, and
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25
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Chen F, Ardalan M, Elfving B, Wegener G, Madsen TM, Nyengaard JR. Mitochondria Are Critical for BDNF-Mediated Synaptic and Vascular Plasticity of Hippocampus following Repeated Electroconvulsive Seizures. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 21:291-304. [PMID: 29228215 PMCID: PMC5838811 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroconvulsive therapy is a fast-acting and efficient treatment of depression used in the clinic. The underlying mechanism of its therapeutic effect is still unclear. However, recovery of synaptic connections and synaptic remodeling is thought to play a critical role for the clinical efficacy obtained from a rapid antidepressant response. Here, we investigated the relationship between synaptic changes and concomitant nonneuronal changes in microvasculature and mitochondria and its relationship to brain-derived neurotrophic factor level changes after repeated electroconvulsive seizures, an animal model of electroconvulsive therapy. METHODS Electroconvulsive seizures or sham treatment was given daily for 10 days to rats displaying a genetically driven phenotype modelling clinical depression: the Flinders Sensitive and Resistant Line rats. Stereological principles were employed to quantify numbers of synapses and mitochondria, and the length of microvessels in the hippocampus. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein levels were quantified with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In untreated controls, a lower number of synapses and mitochondria was accompanied by shorter microvessels of the hippocampus in "depressive" phenotype (Flinders Sensitive Line) compared with the "nondepressed" phenotype (Flinders Resistant Line). Electroconvulsive seizure administration significantly increased the number of synapses and mitochondria, and length of microvessels both in Flinders Sensitive Line-electroconvulsive seizures and Flinders Resistant Line-electroconvulsive seizures rats. In addition, the amount of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein was significantly increased in Flinders Sensitive Line and Flinders Resistant Line rats after electroconvulsive seizures. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between brain-derived neurotrophic factor level and mitochondria/synapses. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that rapid and efficient therapeutic effect of electroconvulsive seizures may be related to synaptic plasticity, accompanied by brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein level elevation and mitochondrial and vascular support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Chen
- Core Center for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark,Correspondence: Fenghua Chen, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Skovagervej 2, building 14K, 0.15, 8240 Risskov, Denmark ()
| | - Maryam Ardalan
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark,Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa,Department of Clinical Medicine, Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Betina Elfving
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark
| | - Gregers Wegener
- AUGUST Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark
| | | | - Jens R Nyengaard
- Core Center for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark,Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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26
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García-Cabezas MÁ, Barbas H. Anterior Cingulate Pathways May Affect Emotions Through Orbitofrontal Cortex. Cereb Cortex 2017; 27:4891-4910. [PMID: 27655930 PMCID: PMC6075591 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and posterior orbitofrontal cortex (pOFC) are associated with emotional regulation. These regions are old in phylogeny and have widespread connections with eulaminate neocortices, intricately linking areas associated with emotion and cognition. The ACC and pOFC have distinct cortical and subcortical connections and are also interlinked, but the pattern of their connections-which may be used to infer the flow of information between them-is not well understood. Here we found that pathways from ACC area 32 innervated all pOFC areas with a significant proportion of large and efficient terminals, seen at the level of the system and the synapse. The pathway from area 32 targeted overwhelmingly elements of excitatory neurons in pOFC, with few postsynaptic sites found on presumed inhibitory neurons. Moreover, pathways from area 32 originated mostly in the upper layers and innervated preferentially the middle-deep layers of the least differentiated pOFC areas, in a pattern reminiscent of feedforward communication. Pathway terminations from area 32 overlapped in the deep layers of pOFC with output pathways that project to the thalamus and the amygdala, and may have cascading downstream effects on emotional and cognitive processes and their disruption in psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Á. García-Cabezas
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Neural Systems Lab, 635 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA02215, USA
| | - Helen Barbas
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Neural Systems Lab, 635 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA02215, USA
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27
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Meng Y, Ding L, Zhang H, Yin W, Yan Y, Cao Y. Immunization of Tg-APPswe/PSEN1dE9 mice with Aβ3-10-KLH vaccine prevents synaptic deficits of Alzheimer’s disease. Behav Brain Res 2017; 332:64-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Abstract
Stroke instigates a dynamic process of repair and remodelling of remaining neural circuits, and this process is shaped by behavioural experiences. The onset of motor disability simultaneously creates a powerful incentive to develop new, compensatory ways of performing daily activities. Compensatory movement strategies that are developed in response to motor impairments can be a dominant force in shaping post-stroke neural remodelling responses and can have mixed effects on functional outcome. The possibility of selectively harnessing the effects of compensatory behaviour on neural reorganization is still an insufficiently explored route for optimizing functional outcome after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A Jones
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Texas 78712, USA
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29
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Stokowska A, Atkins AL, Morán J, Pekny T, Bulmer L, Pascoe MC, Barnum SR, Wetsel RA, Nilsson JA, Dragunow M, Pekna M. Complement peptide C3a stimulates neural plasticity after experimental brain ischaemia. Brain 2016; 140:353-369. [PMID: 27956400 DOI: 10.1093/brain/aww314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischaemic stroke induces endogenous repair processes that include proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells and extensive rewiring of the remaining neural connections, yet about 50% of stroke survivors live with severe long-term disability. There is an unmet need for drug therapies to improve recovery by promoting brain plasticity in the subacute to chronic phase after ischaemic stroke. We previously showed that complement-derived peptide C3a regulates neural progenitor cell migration and differentiation in vitro and that C3a receptor signalling stimulates neurogenesis in unchallenged adult mice. To determine the role of C3a-C3a receptor signalling in ischaemia-induced neural plasticity, we subjected C3a receptor-deficient mice, GFAP-C3a transgenic mice expressing biologically active C3a in the central nervous system, and their respective wild-type controls to photothrombotic stroke. We found that C3a overexpression increased, whereas C3a receptor deficiency decreased post-stroke expression of GAP43 (P < 0.01), a marker of axonal sprouting and plasticity, in the peri-infarct cortex. To verify the translational potential of these findings, we used a pharmacological approach. Daily intranasal treatment of wild-type mice with C3a beginning 7 days after stroke induction robustly increased synaptic density (P < 0.01) and expression of GAP43 in peri-infarct cortex (P < 0.05). Importantly, the C3a treatment led to faster and more complete recovery of forepaw motor function (P < 0.05). We conclude that C3a-C3a receptor signalling stimulates post-ischaemic neural plasticity and intranasal treatment with C3a receptor agonists is an attractive approach to improve functional recovery after ischaemic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stokowska
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alison L Atkins
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Javier Morán
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tulen Pekny
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Bulmer
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michaela C Pascoe
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Scott R Barnum
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Rick A Wetsel
- Research Center for Immunology and Autoimmune Diseases, Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas-Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jonas A Nilsson
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mike Dragunow
- Department of Pharmacology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Marcela Pekna
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden .,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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30
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Petralia RS, Wang YX, Mattson MP, Yao PJ. The Diversity of Spine Synapses in Animals. Neuromolecular Med 2016; 18:497-539. [PMID: 27230661 PMCID: PMC5158183 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-016-8405-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Here we examine the structure of the various types of spine synapses throughout the animal kingdom. Based on available evidence, we suggest that there are two major categories of spine synapses: invaginating and non-invaginating, with distributions that vary among different groups of animals. In the simplest living animals with definitive nerve cells and synapses, the cnidarians and ctenophores, most chemical synapses do not form spine synapses. But some cnidarians have invaginating spine synapses, especially in photoreceptor terminals of motile cnidarians with highly complex visual organs, and also in some mainly sessile cnidarians with rapid prey capture reflexes. This association of invaginating spine synapses with complex sensory inputs is retained in the evolution of higher animals in photoreceptor terminals and some mechanoreceptor synapses. In contrast to invaginating spine synapse, non-invaginating spine synapses have been described only in animals with bilateral symmetry, heads and brains, associated with greater complexity in neural connections. This is apparent already in the simplest bilaterians, the flatworms, which can have well-developed non-invaginating spine synapses in some cases. Non-invaginating spine synapses diversify in higher animal groups. We also discuss the functional advantages of having synapses on spines and more specifically, on invaginating spines. And finally we discuss pathologies associated with spine synapses, concentrating on those systems and diseases where invaginating spine synapses are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald S Petralia
- Advanced Imaging Core, NIDCD/NIH, 35A Center Drive, Room 1E614, Bethesda, MD, 20892-3729, USA.
| | - Ya-Xian Wang
- Advanced Imaging Core, NIDCD/NIH, 35A Center Drive, Room 1E614, Bethesda, MD, 20892-3729, USA
| | - Mark P Mattson
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Pamela J Yao
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
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Loss of SynDIG1 Reduces Excitatory Synapse Maturation But Not Formation In Vivo. eNeuro 2016; 3:eN-NWR-0130-16. [PMID: 27800545 PMCID: PMC5073248 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0130-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Modification of the strength of excitatory synaptic connections is a fundamental mechanism by which neural circuits are refined during development and learning. Synapse Differentiation Induced Gene 1 (SynDIG1) has been shown to play a key role in regulating synaptic strength in vitro. Here, we investigated the role of SynDIG1 in vivo in mice with a disruption of the SynDIG1 gene rather than use an alternate loxP-flanked conditional mutant that we find retains a partial protein product. The gene-trap insertion with a reporter cassette mutant mice shows that the SynDIG1 promoter is active during embryogenesis in the retina with some activity in the brain, and postnatally in the mouse hippocampus, cortex, hindbrain, and spinal cord. Ultrastructural analysis of the hippocampal CA1 region shows a decrease in the average PSD length of synapses and a decrease in the number of synapses with a mature phenotype. Intriguingly, the total synapse number appears to be increased in SynDIG1 mutant mice. Electrophysiological analyses show a decrease in AMPA and NMDA receptor function in SynDIG1-deficient hippocampal neurons. Glutamate stimulation of individual dendritic spines in hippocampal slices from SynDIG1-deficient mice reveals increased short-term structural plasticity. Notably, the overall levels of PSD-95 or glutamate receptors enriched in postsynaptic biochemical fractions remain unaltered; however, activity-dependent synapse development is strongly compromised upon the loss of SynDIG1, supporting its importance for excitatory synapse maturation. Together, these data are consistent with a model in which SynDIG1 regulates the maturation of excitatory synapse structure and function in the mouse hippocampus in vivo.
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Abstract
Fear memory is the best-studied form of memory. It was thoroughly investigated in the past 60 years mostly using two classical conditioning procedures (contextual fear conditioning and fear conditioning to a tone) and one instrumental procedure (one-trial inhibitory avoidance). Fear memory is formed in the hippocampus (contextual conditioning and inhibitory avoidance), in the basolateral amygdala (inhibitory avoidance), and in the lateral amygdala (conditioning to a tone). The circuitry involves, in addition, the pre- and infralimbic ventromedial prefrontal cortex, the central amygdala subnuclei, and the dentate gyrus. Fear learning models, notably inhibitory avoidance, have also been very useful for the analysis of the biochemical mechanisms of memory consolidation as a whole. These studies have capitalized on in vitro observations on long-term potentiation and other kinds of plasticity. The effect of a very large number of drugs on fear learning has been intensively studied, often as a prelude to the investigation of effects on anxiety. The extinction of fear learning involves to an extent a reversal of the flow of information in the mentioned structures and is used in the therapy of posttraumatic stress disorder and fear memories in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Izquierdo
- National Institute of Translational Neuroscience, National Research Council of Brazil, and Memory Center, Brain Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Cristiane R. G. Furini
- National Institute of Translational Neuroscience, National Research Council of Brazil, and Memory Center, Brain Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jociane C. Myskiw
- National Institute of Translational Neuroscience, National Research Council of Brazil, and Memory Center, Brain Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Hara Y, Waters EM, McEwen BS, Morrison JH. Estrogen Effects on Cognitive and Synaptic Health Over the Lifecourse. Physiol Rev 2015; 95:785-807. [PMID: 26109339 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00036.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen facilitates higher cognitive functions by exerting effects on brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Estrogen induces spinogenesis and synaptogenesis in these two brain regions and also initiates a complex set of signal transduction pathways via estrogen receptors (ERs). Along with the classical genomic effects mediated by activation of ER α and ER β, there are membrane-bound ER α, ER β, and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) that can mediate rapid nongenomic effects. All key ERs present throughout the body are also present in synapses of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. This review summarizes estrogen actions in the brain from the standpoint of their effects on synapse structure and function, noting also the synergistic role of progesterone. We first begin with a review of ER subtypes in the brain and how their abundance and distributions are altered with aging and estrogen loss (e.g., ovariectomy or menopause) in the rodent, monkey, and human brain. As there is much evidence that estrogen loss induced by menopause can exacerbate the effects of aging on cognitive functions, we then review the clinical trials of hormone replacement therapies and their effectiveness on cognitive symptoms experienced by women. Finally, we summarize studies carried out in nonhuman primate models of age- and menopause-related cognitive decline that are highly relevant for developing effective interventions for menopausal women. Together, we highlight a new understanding of how estrogen affects higher cognitive functions and synaptic health that go well beyond its effects on reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Hara
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Elizabeth M Waters
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Bruce S McEwen
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - John H Morrison
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Kastor Neurobiology of Aging Laboratories, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
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Experience with the "good" limb induces aberrant synaptic plasticity in the perilesion cortex after stroke. J Neurosci 2015; 35:8604-10. [PMID: 26041926 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0829-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Following unilateral stroke, the contralateral (paretic) body side is often severely impaired, and individuals naturally learn to rely more on the nonparetic body side, which involves learning new skills with it. Such compensatory hyper-reliance on the "good" body side, however, can limit functional improvements of the paretic side. In rats, motor skill training with the nonparetic forelimb (NPT) following a unilateral infarct lessens the efficacy of rehabilitative training, and reduces neuronal activation in perilesion motor cortex. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated how forelimb movement representations and synaptic restructuring in perilesion motor cortex respond to NPT and their relationship with behavioral outcomes. Forelimb representations were diminished as a result of NPT, as revealed with intracortical microstimulation mapping. Using transmission electron microscopy and stereological analyses, we found that densities of axodendritic synapses, especially axo-spinous synapses, as well as multiple synaptic boutons were increased in the perilesion cortex by NPT. The synaptic density was negatively correlated with the functional outcome of the paretic limb, as revealed in reaching performance. Furthermore, in animals with NPT, there was dissociation between astrocytic morphological features and axo-spinous synaptic density in perilesion motor cortex, compared with controls. These findings demonstrate that skill learning with the nonparetic limb following unilateral brain damage results in aberrant synaptogenesis, potentially of transcallosal projections, and this seems to hamper the functionality of the perilesion motor cortex and the paretic forelimb.
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The learning of fear extinction. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 47:670-83. [PMID: 25452113 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent work on the extinction of fear-motivated learning places emphasis on its putative circuitry and on its modulation. Extinction is the learned inhibition of retrieval of previously acquired responses. Fear extinction is used as a major component of exposure therapy in the treatment of fear memories such as those of the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is initiated and maintained by interactions between the hippocampus, basolateral amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which involve feedback regulation of the latter by the other two areas. Fear extinction depends on NMDA receptor activation. It is positively modulated by d-serine acting on the glycine site of NMDA receptors and blocked by AP5 (2-amino-5-phosphono propionate) in the three structures. In addition, histamine acting on H2 receptors and endocannabinoids acting on CB1 receptors in the three brain areas mentioned, and muscarinic cholinergic fibers from the medial septum to hippocampal CA1 positively modulate fear extinction. Importantly, fear extinction can be made state-dependent on circulating epinephrine, which may play a role in situations of stress. Exposure to a novel experience can strongly enhance the consolidation of fear extinction through a synaptic tagging and capture mechanism; this may be useful in the therapy of states caused by fear memory like PTSD.
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Lacreuse A, Mong JA, Hara Y. Neurocognitive effects of estrogens across the adult lifespan in nonhuman primates: State of knowledge and new perspectives. Horm Behav 2015; 74:157-66. [PMID: 25762288 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Estradiol and cognition". This review discusses the unique contribution of nonhuman primate research to our understanding of the neurocognitive effects of estrogens throughout the adult lifespan in females. Mounting evidence indicates that estrogens affect many aspects of hippocampal, prefrontal and cholinergic function in the primate brain and the underlying mechanisms are beginning to be elucidated. In addition, estrogens may also influence cognitive function indirectly, via the modulation of other systems that impact cognition. We will focus on the effects of estrogens on sleep and emphasize the need for primate models to better understand these complex interactions. Continued research with nonhuman primates is essential for the development of therapies that are optimal for the maintenance of women's cognitive health throughout the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnès Lacreuse
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, MA, USA.
| | - Jessica A Mong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yuko Hara
- Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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The influence of synaptic size on AMPA receptor activation: a Monte Carlo model. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130924. [PMID: 26107874 PMCID: PMC4479604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiological and electron microscope studies have shown that synapses are functionally and morphologically heterogeneous and that variations in size of synaptic junctions are related to characteristics such as release probability and density of postsynaptic AMPA receptors. The present article focuses on how these morphological variations impact synaptic transmission. We based our study on Monte Carlo computational simulations of simplified model synapses whose morphological features have been extracted from hundreds of actual synaptic junctions reconstructed by three-dimensional electron microscopy. We have examined the effects that parameters such as synaptic size or density of AMPA receptors have on the number of receptors that open after release of a single synaptic vesicle. Our results indicate that the maximum number of receptors that will open after the release of a single synaptic vesicle may show a ten-fold variation in the whole population of synapses. When individual synapses are considered, there is also a stochastical variability that is maximal in small synapses with low numbers of receptors. The number of postsynaptic receptors and the size of the synaptic junction are the most influential parameters, while the packing density of receptors or the concentration of extrasynaptic transporters have little or no influence on the opening of AMPA receptors.
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Structure, Distribution, and Function of Neuronal/Synaptic Spinules and Related Invaginating Projections. Neuromolecular Med 2015; 17:211-40. [PMID: 26007200 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-015-8358-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurons and especially their synapses often project long thin processes that can invaginate neighboring neuronal or glial cells. These "invaginating projections" can occur in almost any combination of postsynaptic, presynaptic, and glial processes. Invaginating projections provide a precise mechanism for one neuron to communicate or exchange material exclusively at a highly localized site on another neuron, e.g., to regulate synaptic plasticity. The best-known types are postsynaptic projections called "spinules" that invaginate into presynaptic terminals. Spinules seem to be most prevalent at large very active synapses. Here, we present a comprehensive review of all kinds of invaginating projections associated with both neurons in general and more specifically with synapses; we describe them in all animals including simple, basal metazoans. These structures may have evolved into more elaborate structures in some higher animal groups exhibiting greater synaptic plasticity. In addition to classic spinules and filopodial invaginations, we describe a variety of lesser-known structures such as amphid microvilli, spinules in giant mossy terminals and en marron/brush synapses, the highly specialized fish retinal spinules, the trophospongium, capitate projections, and fly gnarls, as well as examples in which the entire presynaptic or postsynaptic process is invaginated. These various invaginating projections have evolved to modify the function of a particular synapse, or to channel an effect to one specific synapse or neuron, without affecting those nearby. We discuss how they function in membrane recycling, nourishment, and cell signaling and explore how they might change in aging and disease.
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García-Cabezas MÁ, Barbas H. A direct anterior cingulate pathway to the primate primary olfactory cortex may control attention to olfaction. Brain Struct Funct 2015; 219:1735-54. [PMID: 23797208 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-013-0598-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral and functional studies in humans suggest that attention plays a key role in activating the primary olfactory cortex through an unknown circuit mechanism. We report that a novel pathway from the anterior cingulate cortex, an area which has a key role in attention, projects directly to the primary olfactory cortex in rhesus monkeys, innervating mostly the anterior olfactory nucleus. Axons from the anterior cingulate cortex formed synapses mostly with spines of putative excitatory pyramidal neurons and with a small proportion of a neurochemical class of inhibitory neurons that are thought to have disinhibitory effect on excitatory neurons. This novel pathway from the anterior cingulate is poised to exert a powerful excitatory effect on the anterior olfactory nucleus, which is a critical hub for odorant processing via extensive bilateral connections with primary olfactory cortices and the olfactory bulb. Acting on the anterior olfactory nucleus, the anterior cingulate may activate the entire primary olfactory cortex to mediate the process of rapid attention to olfactory stimuli.
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Blanque A, Repetto D, Rohlmann A, Brockhaus J, Duning K, Pavenstädt H, Wolff I, Missler M. Deletion of KIBRA, protein expressed in kidney and brain, increases filopodial-like long dendritic spines in neocortical and hippocampal neurons in vivo and in vitro. Front Neuroanat 2015; 9:13. [PMID: 25750616 PMCID: PMC4335192 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2015.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Spines are small protrusions arising from dendrites that receive most excitatory synaptic input in the brain. Dendritic spines represent dynamic structures that undergo activity-dependent adaptations, for example, during synaptic plasticity. Alterations of spine morphology, changes of spine type ratios or density have consequently been found in paradigms of learning and memory, and accompany many neuropsychiatric disorders. Polymorphisms in the gene encoding KIBRA, a protein present in kidney and brain, are linked to memory performance and cognition in humans and mouse models. Deletion of KIBRA impairs long-term synaptic plasticity and postsynaptic receptor recycling but no information is available on the morphology of dendritic spines in null-mutant mice. Here, we directly examine the role of KIBRA in spinous synapses using knockout mice. Since KIBRA is normally highly expressed in neocortex and hippocampus at juvenile age, we analyze synapse morphology in intact tissue and in neuronal cultures from these brain regions. Quantification of different dendritic spine types in Golgi-impregnated sections and in transfected neurons coherently reveal a robust increase of filopodial-like long protrusions in the absence of KIBRA. While distribution of pre- and postsynaptic marker proteins, overall synapse ultrastructure and density of asymmetric contacts were remarkably normal, electron microscopy additionally uncovered less perforated synapses and spinules in knockout neurons. Thus, our results indicate that KIBRA is involved in the maintenance of normal ratios of spinous synapses, and may thus provide a structural correlate of altered cognitive functions when this memory-associated molecule is mutated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Blanque
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Germany
| | - Daniele Repetto
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Germany
| | - Astrid Rohlmann
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Germany
| | - Johannes Brockhaus
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Germany
| | - Kerstin Duning
- Internal Medicine D, Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Rheumatology, University Hospital Münster Münster, Germany
| | - Hermann Pavenstädt
- Internal Medicine D, Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Rheumatology, University Hospital Münster Münster, Germany
| | - Ilka Wolff
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Germany
| | - Markus Missler
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Germany ; Cluster of Excellence EXC 1003, Cells in Motion, CiM Münster, Germany
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Nava N, Treccani G, Liebenberg N, Chen F, Popoli M, Wegener G, Nyengaard JR. Chronic desipramine prevents acute stress-induced reorganization of medial prefrontal cortex architecture by blocking glutamate vesicle accumulation and excitatory synapse increase. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 18:pyu085. [PMID: 25522419 PMCID: PMC4360240 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyu085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although a clear negative influence of chronic exposure to stressful experiences has been repeatedly demonstrated, the outcome of acute stress on key brain regions has only just started to be elucidated. Although it has been proposed that acute stress may produce enhancement of brain plasticity and that antidepressants may prevent such changes, we still lack ultrastructural evidence that acute stress-induced changes in neurotransmitter physiology are coupled with structural synaptic modifications. METHODS Rats were pretreated chronically (14 days) with desipramine (10mg/kg) and then subjected to acute foot-shock stress. By means of serial section electron microscopy, the structural remodeling of medial prefrontal cortex glutamate synapses was assessed soon after acute stressor cessation and stress hormone levels were measured. RESULTS Foot-shock stress induced a remarkable increase in the number of docked vesicles and small excitatory synapses, partially and strongly prevented by desipramine pretreatment, respectively. Acute stress-induced corticosterone elevation was not affected by drug treatment. CONCLUSIONS Since desipramine pretreatment prevented the stress-induced structural plasticity but not the hormone level increase, we hypothesize that the preventing action of desipramine is located on pathways downstream of this process and/or other pathways. Moreover, because enhancement of glutamate system remodeling may contribute to overexcitation dysfunctions, this aspect could represent a crucial component in the pathophysiology of stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Nava
- Stereology and Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark (Drs Nava, Chen, and Nyengaard); Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark (Drs Nava, Treccani, Liebenberg, Chen, and Wegener); Pharmaceutical Research Center of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa (Dr Wegener); Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy (Drs Treccani and Popoli).
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Nava N, Chen F, Wegener G, Popoli M, Nyengaard JR. A new efficient method for synaptic vesicle quantification reveals differences between medial prefrontal cortex perforated and nonperforated synapses. J Comp Neurol 2014; 522:284-97. [PMID: 24127135 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Revised: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Communication between neurons is mediated by the release of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles from presynaptic terminals. Quantitative characterization of synaptic vesicles can be highly valuable for understanding mechanisms underlying synaptic function and plasticity. We performed a quantitative ultrastructural analysis of cortical excitatory synapses by mean of a new, efficient method, as an alternative to three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. Based on a hierarchical sampling strategy and unequivocal identification of the region of interest, serial sections from excitatory synapses of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of six Sprague-Dawley rats were acquired with a transmission electron microscope. Unbiased estimates of total 3D volume of synaptic terminals were obtained through the Cavalieri estimator, and adequate correction factors for vesicle profile number estimation were applied for final vesicle quantification. Our analysis was based on 79 excitatory synapses, nonperforated (NPSs) and perforated (PSs) subtypes. We found that total number of docked and reserve-pool vesicles in PSs significantly exceeded that in NPSs (by, respectively, 77% and 78%). These differences were found to be related to changes in size between the two subtypes (active zone area by 86%; bouton volume by 105%) rather than to postsynaptic density shape. Positive significant correlations were found between number of docked and reserve-pool vesicles, active zone area and docked vesicles, and bouton volume and reserve pool vesicles. Our method confirmed the large size of mPFC PSs and a linear correlation between presynaptic features of typical hippocampal synapses. Moreover, a greater number of docked vesicles in PSs may promote a high synaptic strength of these synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Nava
- Stereology and Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8240, Risskov, Denmark
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Petralia RS, Mattson MP, Yao PJ. Communication breakdown: the impact of ageing on synapse structure. Ageing Res Rev 2014; 14:31-42. [PMID: 24495392 PMCID: PMC4094371 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2014.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Impaired synaptic plasticity is implicated in the functional decline of the nervous system associated with ageing. Understanding the structure of ageing synapses is essential to understanding the functions of these synapses and their role in the ageing nervous system. In this review, we summarize studies on ageing synapses in vertebrates and invertebrates, focusing on changes in morphology and ultrastructure. We cover different parts of the nervous system, including the brain, the retina, the cochlea, and the neuromuscular junction. The morphological characteristics of aged synapses could shed light on the underlying molecular changes and their functional consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald S Petralia
- Advanced Imaging Core, NIDCD/NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
| | - Mark P Mattson
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Pamela J Yao
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
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Zhang Y, Wei J, Yang Z. Perinatal undernutrition attenuates field excitatory postsynaptic potentials and influences dendritic spine density and morphology in hippocampus of male rat offspring. Neuroscience 2013; 244:31-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.03.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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West MJ. Counting and measuring ultrastructural features of biological samples. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2013; 2013:593-605. [PMID: 23818664 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.top071886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ultrastructural features of cells can be fractions of a micrometer in diameter, and electron microscopy is needed to resolve them to a degree that is compatible with stereological techniques. Because the focal depth of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images is thousands of times greater than the thickness of the sections used with TEM, virtual sectioning of sections suitable for TEM is not possible, as it is with light microscopy and the optical disector probe. With features the size of neuronal synapses, for example, this necessitates the use of physical sections and physical disectors. Regardless of how the imaging is performed, the design of stereological studies for quantifying ultrastructural features will be essentially the same as that used in the example described here, which uses physically separated ultrathin sections viewed with conventional TEM to estimate the number and size of synapses in a particular brain region.
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Immunogold cytochemistry in neuroscience. Nat Neurosci 2013; 16:798-804. [PMID: 23799472 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The complexity of the central nervous system calls for immunocytochemical procedures that allow target proteins to be localized with high precision and with opportunities for quantitation. Immunogold procedures stand out as particularly powerful in this regard. Although these procedures have found wide application in the neuroscience community, they present limitations and pitfalls that must be taken into account. At the same time, these procedures offer potentials that remain to be fully realized.
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Jasinska M, Siucinska E, Jasek E, Litwin JA, Pyza E, Kossut M. Fear learning increases the number of polyribosomes associated with excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the barrel cortex. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54301. [PMID: 23457448 PMCID: PMC3573062 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Associative fear learning, resulting from whisker stimulation paired with application of a mild electric shock to the tail in a classical conditioning paradigm, changes the motor behavior of mice and modifies the cortical functional representation of sensory receptors involved in the conditioning. It also induces the formation of new inhibitory synapses on double-synapse spines of the cognate barrel hollows. We studied density and distribution of polyribosomes, the putative structural markers of enhanced synaptic activation, following conditioning. By analyzing serial sections of the barrel cortex by electron microscopy and stereology, we found that the density of polyribosomes was significantly increased in dendrites of the barrel activated during conditioning. The results revealed fear learning-induced increase in the density of polyribosomes associated with both excitatory and inhibitory synapses located on dendritic spines (in both single- and double-synapse spines) and only with the inhibitory synapses located on dendritic shafts. This effect was accompanied by a significant increase in the postsynaptic density area of the excitatory synapses on single-synapse spines and of the inhibitory synapses on double-synapse spines containing polyribosomes. The present results show that associative fear learning not only induces inhibitory synaptogenesis, as demonstrated in the previous studies, but also stimulates local protein synthesis and produces modifications of the synapses that indicate their potentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Jasinska
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Siucinska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Jasek
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jan A. Litwin
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Pyza
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Kossut
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
- Warsaw School of Social Psychology, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Stereological estimates of surface have led to important insights into normal and pathological processes. This article describes the process of estimating surface area in biological structures. It includes a discussion of relationship equations for estimating surface and procedures for estimating surface area of components of organ systems. It also provides an example of estimation of the area of the pial surface of the human brain.
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Houser CR, Zhang N, Peng Z, Huang CS, Cetina Y. Neuroanatomical clues to altered neuronal activity in epilepsy: from ultrastructure to signaling pathways of dentate granule cells. Epilepsia 2012; 53 Suppl 1:67-77. [PMID: 22612811 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2012.03477.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The dynamic aspects of epilepsy, in which seizures occur sporadically and are interspersed with periods of relatively normal brain function, present special challenges for neuroanatomical studies. Although numerous morphologic changes can be identified during the chronic period, the relationship of many of these changes to seizure generation and propagation remains unclear. Mossy fiber sprouting is an example of a frequently observed morphologic change for which a functional role in epilepsy continues to be debated. This review focuses on neuroanatomically identified changes that would support high levels of activity in reorganized mossy fibers and potentially associated granule cell activation. Early ultrastructural studies of reorganized mossy fiber terminals in human temporal lobe epilepsy tissue have identified morphologic substrates for highly efficacious excitatory connections among granule cells. If similar connections in animal models contribute to seizure activity, activation of granule cells would be expected. Increased labeling with two activity-related markers, Fos and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, has suggested increased activity of dentate granule cells at the time of spontaneous seizures in a mouse model of epilepsy. However, neuroanatomical support for a direct link between activation of reorganized mossy fiber terminals and increased granule cell activity remains elusive. As novel activity-related markers are developed, it may yet be possible to demonstrate such functional links and allow mapping of seizure activity throughout the brain. Relating patterns of neuronal activity during seizures to the underlying morphologic changes could provide important new insights into the basic mechanisms of epilepsy and seizure generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn R Houser
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California-Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90095-1763, U.S.A.
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Nicholson DA, Cahill ME, Tulisiak CT, Geinisman Y, Penzes P. Spatially restricted actin-regulatory signaling contributes to synapse morphology. J Neurochem 2012; 121:852-60. [PMID: 22458534 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07743.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines is organized into microdomains, but how signaling molecules that regulate actin are spatially governed is incompletely understood. Here we examine how the localization of the RacGEF kalirin-7, a well-characterized regulator of actin in spines, varies as a function of post-synaptic density area and spine volume. Using serial section electron microscopy, we find that extrasynaptic, but not synaptic, expression of kalirin-7 varies directly with synapse size and spine volume. Moreover, we find that overall expression levels of kalirin-7 differ in spines bearing perforated and non-perforated synapses, due primarily to extrasynaptic pools of kalirin-7 expression in the former. Overall, our findings indicate that kalirin-7 is differentially compartmentalized in spines as a function of both synapse morphology and spine size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Nicholson
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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