Kinetic properties of Cl uptake mediated by Na+-dependent K+-2Cl cotransport in immature rat neocortical neurons

A novel pathogenic SLC12A5 missense variant in epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures causes impaired KCC2 chloride extrusion

The potassium-chloride co-transporter 2, KCC2, is a neuron-specific ion transporter that plays a multifunctional role in neuronal development. In mature neurons, KCC2 maintains a low enough intracellular chloride concentration essential for inhibitory neurotransmission. During recent years, pathogenic variants in the KCC2 encoding gene SLC12A5 affecting the functionality or expression of the transporter protein have been described in several patients with epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS), a devastating early-onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. In this study, we identified a novel recessively inherited SLC12A5 c.692G>A, p. (R231H) variant in a patient diagnosed with severe and drug-resistant EIMFS and profound intellectual disability. The functionality of the variant was assessed in vitro by means of gramicidin-perforated patch-clamp experiments and ammonium flux assay, both of which indicated a significant reduction in chloride extrusion. Based on surface immunolabeling, the variant showed a reduction in membrane expression. These findings implicate pathogenicity of the SLC12A5 variant that leads to impaired inhibitory neurotransmission, increasing probability for hyperexcitability and epileptogenesis.

Serine 937 phosphorylation enhances KCC2 activity and strengthens synaptic inhibition

The potassium chloride cotransporter KCC2 is crucial for Cl- extrusion from mature neurons and thus key to hyperpolarizing inhibition. Auditory brainstem circuits contain well-understood inhibitory projections and provide a potent model to study the regulation of synaptic inhibition. Two peculiarities of the auditory brainstem are (i) posttranslational activation of KCC2 during development and (ii) extremely negative reversal potentials in specific circuits. To investigate the role of the potent phospho-site serine 937 therein, we generated a KCC2 Thr934Ala/Ser937Asp double mutation, in which Ser937 is replaced by aspartate mimicking the phosphorylated state, and the neighbouring Thr934 arrested in the dephosphorylated state. This double mutant showed a twofold increased transport activity in HEK293 cells, raising the hypothesis that auditory brainstem neurons show lower [Cl-]i. and increased glycinergic inhibition. This was tested in a mouse model carrying the same KCC2 Thr934Ala/Ser937Asp mutation by the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Homozygous KCC2 Thr934Ala/Ser937Asp mice showed an earlier developmental onset of hyperpolarisation in the auditory brainstem. Mature neurons displayed stronger glycinergic inhibition due to hyperpolarized ECl-. These data demonstrate that phospho-regulation of KCC2 Ser937 is a potent way to interfere with the excitation-inhibition balance in neural circuits.

Unilateral optogenetic kindling of hippocampus leads to more severe impairments of the inhibitory signaling in the contralateral hippocampus

The kindling model has been used extensively by researchers to study the neurobiology of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) due to its capacity to induce intensification of seizures by the progressive recruitment of additional neuronal clusters into epileptogenic networks. We applied repetitive focal optogenetic activation of putative excitatory neurons in the dorsal CA1 area of the hippocampus of mice to investigate the role of inhibitory signaling during this process. This experimental protocol resulted in a kindling phenotype that was maintained for 2 weeks after the animals were fully kindled. As a result of the different phases of optogenetic kindling (OpK), key inhibitory signaling elements, such as KCC2 and NKCC1, exhibited distinct temporal and spatial dynamics of regulation. These alterations in protein expression were related to the distinct pattern of ictal activity propagation through the different hippocampal sublayers. Our results suggest the KCC2 disruption in the contralateral hippocampus of fully kindled animals progressively facilitated the creation of pathological pathways for seizure propagation through the hippocampal network. Upon completion of kindling, we observed animals that were restimulated after a rest period of 14-day showed, besides a persistent KCC2 downregulation, an NKCC1 upregulation in the bilateral dentate gyrus and hippocampus-wide loss of parvalbumin-positive interneurons. These alterations observed in the chronic phase of OpK suggest that the hippocampus of rekindled animals continued to undergo self-modifications during the rest period. The changes resulting from this period suggest the possibility of the development of a mirror focus on the hippocampus contralateral to the site of optical stimulations. Our results offer perspectives for preventing the recruitment and conversion of healthy neuronal networks into epileptogenic ones among patients with epilepsy.

Maternal taurine as a modulator of Cl- homeostasis as well as of glycine/GABAA receptors for neocortical development

During brain and spinal cord development, GABA and glycine, the inhibitory neurotransmitters, cause depolarization instead of hyperpolarization in adults. Since glycine and GABAA receptors (GABAARs) are chloride (Cl-) ion channel receptor, the conversion of GABA/glycine actions during development is influenced by changes in the transmembrane Cl- gradient, which is regulated by Cl- transporters, NKCC1 (absorption) and KCC2 (expulsion). In immature neurons, inhibitory neurotransmitters are released in a non-vesicular/non-synaptic manner, transitioning to vesicular/synaptic release as the neuron matures. In other word, in immature neurons, neurotransmitters generally act tonically. Thus, the glycine/GABA system is a developmentally multimodal system that is required for neurogenesis, differentiation, migration, and synaptogenesis. The endogenous agonists for these receptors are not fully understood, we address taurine. In this review, we will discuss about the properties and function of taurine during development of neocortex. Taurine cannot be synthesized by fetuses or neonates, and is transferred from maternal blood through the placenta or maternal milk ingestion. In developing neocortex, taurine level is higher than GABA level, and taurine tonically activates GABAARs to control radial migration as a stop signal. In the marginal zone (MZ) of the developing neocortex, endogenous taurine modulates the spread of excitatory synaptic transmission, activating glycine receptors (GlyRs) as an endogenous agonist. Thus, taurine affects information processing and crucial developmental processes such as axonal growth, cell migration, and lamination in the developing cerebral cortex. Additionally, we also refer to the possible mechanism of taurine-regulating Cl- homeostasis. External taurine is uptake by taurine transporter (TauT) and regulates NKCC1 and KCC2 mediated by intracellular signaling pathway, with-no-lysine kinase 1 (WNK1) and its subsequent kinases STE20/SPS1-related proline-alanine-rich protein kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress response kinase-1 (OSR1). Through the regulation of NKCC1 and KCC2, mediated by the WNK-SPAK/OSR1 signaling pathway, taurine plays a role in maintaining Cl- homeostasis during normal brain development.

Cajal-retzius cells: Recent advances in identity and function

Cajal-Retzius cells (CRs) are a transient neuronal type of the developing cerebral cortex. Over the years, they have been shown or proposed to play important functions in neocortical and hippocampal morphogenesis, circuit formation, brain evolution and human pathology. Because of their short lifespan, CRs have been pictured as a purely developmental cell type, whose production and active elimination are both required for correct brain development. In this review, we present some of the findings that allow us to better appreciate the identity and diversity of this very special cell type, and propose a unified definition of what should be considered a Cajal-Retzius cell, especially when working with non-mammalian species or organoids. In addition, we highlight a flurry of recent studies pointing to the importance of CRs in the assembly of functional and dysfunctional cortical networks.

Chloride transporters controlling neuronal excitability

Synaptic inhibition plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal excitability, which is the foundation of nervous system function. This inhibition is largely mediated by the neurotransmitters GABA and glycine that activate Cl^--permeable ion channels, which means that the strength of inhibition depends on the Cl^- gradient across the membrane. In neurons, the Cl^- gradient is primarily mediated by two secondarily active cation-chloride cotransporters (CCCs), NKCC1 and KCC2. CCC-mediated regulation of the neuronal Cl^- gradient is critical for healthy brain function, as dysregulation of CCCs has emerged as a key mechanism underlying neurological disorders including epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and autism spectrum disorder. This review begins with an overview of neuronal chloride transporters before explaining the dependent relationship between these CCCs, Cl^- regulation, and inhibitory synaptic transmission. We then discuss the evidence for how CCCs can be regulated, including by activity and their protein interactions, which underlie inhibitory synaptic plasticity. For readers who may be interested in conducting experiments on CCCs and neuronal excitability, we have included a section on techniques for estimating and recording intracellular Cl^-, including their advantages and limitations. Although the focus of this review is on neurons, we also examine how Cl^- is regulated in glial cells, which in turn regulate neuronal excitability through the tight relationship between this nonneuronal cell type and synapses. Finally, we discuss the relatively extensive and growing literature on how CCC-mediated neuronal excitability contributes to neurological disorders.

Expression patterns of NKCC1 in neurons and non-neuronal cells during cortico-hippocampal development

The Na-K-2Cl cotransporter NKCC1 is widely expressed in cells within and outside the brain. However, our understanding of its roles in brain functions throughout development, as well as in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders, has been severely hindered by the lack of reliable data on its developmental and (sub)cellular expression patterns. We provide here the first properly controlled analysis of NKCC1 protein expression in various cell types of the mouse brain using custom-made antibodies and an NKCC1 knock-out validated immunohistochemical procedure, with parallel data based on advanced mRNA approaches. NKCC1 protein and mRNA are expressed at remarkably high levels in oligodendrocytes. In immature neurons, NKCC1 protein was located in the somata, whereas in adult neurons, only NKCC1 mRNA could be clearly detected. NKCC1 immunoreactivity is also seen in microglia, astrocytes, developing pericytes, and in progenitor cells of the dentate gyrus. Finally, a differential expression of NKCC1 splice variants was observed, with NKCC1a predominating in non-neuronal cells and NKCC1b in neurons. Taken together, our data provide a cellular basis for understanding NKCC1 functions in the brain and enable the identification of major limitations and promises in the development of neuron-targeting NKCC1-blockers.

WNK3 kinase maintains neuronal excitability by reducing inwardly rectifying K+ conductance in layer V pyramidal neurons of mouse medial prefrontal cortex

The with-no-lysine (WNK) family of serine-threonine kinases and its downstream kinases of STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress-responsive kinase-1 (OSR1) may regulate intracellular Cl− homeostasis through phosphorylation of cation-Cl− co-transporters. WNK3 is expressed in fetal and postnatal brains, and its expression level increases during development. Its roles in neurons, however, remain uncertain. Using WNK3 knockout (KO) mice, we investigated the role of WNK3 in the regulation of the intracellular Cl− concentration ([Cl−]i) and the excitability of layer V pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Gramicidin-perforated patch-clamp recordings in neurons from acute slice preparation at the postnatal day 21 indicated a significantly depolarized reversal potential for GABAA receptor-mediated currents by 6 mV, corresponding to the higher [Cl−]i level by ~4 mM in KO mice than in wild-type littermates. However, phosphorylation levels of SPAK and OSR1 and those of neuronal Na+-K+-2Cl− co-transporter NKCC1 and K+-Cl− co-transporter KCC2 did not significantly differ between KO and wild-type mice. Meanwhile, the resting membrane potential of neurons was more hyperpolarized by 7 mV, and the minimum stimulus current necessary for firing induction was increased in KO mice. These were due to an increased inwardly rectifying K+ (IRK) conductance, mediated by classical inwardly rectifying (Kir) channels, in KO neurons. The introduction of an active form of WNK3 into the recording neurons reversed these changes. The potential role of KCC2 function in the observed changes of KO neurons was investigated by applying a selective KCC2 activator, CLP290. This reversed the enhanced IRK conductance in KO neurons, indicating that both WNK3 and KCC2 are intimately linked in the regulation of resting K+ conductance. Evaluation of synaptic properties revealed that the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) was reduced, whereas that of inhibitory currents (mIPSCs) was slightly increased in KO neurons. Together, the impact of these developmental changes on the membrane and synaptic properties was manifested as behavioral deficits in pre-pulse inhibition, a measure of sensorimotor gating involving multiple brain regions including the mPFC, in KO mice. Thus, the basal function of WNK3 would be the maintenance and/or development of both intrinsic and synaptic excitabilities.

NKCC1 and KCC2: Structural insights into phospho-regulation

Inhibitory neurotransmission plays a fundamental role in the central nervous system, with about 30–50% of synaptic connections being inhibitory. The action of both inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric-acid (GABA) and glycine, mainly relies on the intracellular Cl^– concentration in neurons. This is set by the interplay of the cation chloride cotransporters NKCC1 (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^– cotransporter), a main Cl^– uptake transporter, and KCC2 (K⁺, Cl^– cotransporter), the principle Cl^– extruder in neurons. Accordingly, their dysfunction is associated with severe neurological, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. This has triggered great interest in understanding their regulation, with a strong focus on phosphorylation. Recent structural data by cryogenic electron microscopy provide the unique possibility to gain insight into the action of these phosphorylations. Interestingly, in KCC2, six out of ten (60%) known regulatory phospho-sites reside within a region of 134 amino acid residues (12% of the total residues) between helices α8 and α9 that lacks fixed or ordered three-dimensional structures. It thus represents a so-called intrinsically disordered region. Two further phospho-sites, Tyr⁹⁰³ and Thr⁹⁰⁶, are also located in a disordered region between the ß8 strand and the α8 helix. We make the case that especially the disordered region between helices α8 and α9 acts as a platform to integrate different signaling pathways and simultaneously constitute a flexible, highly dynamic linker that can survey a wide variety of distinct conformations. As each conformation can have distinct binding affinities and specificity properties, this enables regulation of [Cl^–]_i and thus the ionic driving force in a history-dependent way. This region might thus act as a molecular processor underlying the well described phenomenon of ionic plasticity that has been ascribed to inhibitory neurotransmission. Finally, it might explain the stunning long-range effects of mutations on phospho-sites in KCC2.

Why won't it stop? The dynamics of benzodiazepine resistance in status epilepticus

Status epilepticus is a life-threatening neurological emergency that affects both adults and children. Approximately 36% of episodes of status epilepticus do not respond to the current preferred first-line treatment, benzodiazepines. The proportion of episodes that are refractory to benzodiazepines is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) than in high-income countries (HICs). Evidence suggests that longer episodes of status epilepticus alter brain physiology, thereby contributing to the emergence of benzodiazepine resistance. Such changes include alterations in GABA_A receptor function and in the transmembrane gradient for chloride, both of which erode the ability of benzodiazepines to enhance inhibitory synaptic signalling. Often, current management guidelines for status epilepticus do not account for these duration-related changes in pathophysiology, which might differentially impact individuals in LMICs, where the average time taken to reach medical attention is longer than in HICs. In this Perspective article, we aim to combine clinical insights and the latest evidence from basic science to inspire a new, context-specific approach to efficiently managing status epilepticus.

Gabaergic Interneurons in Early Brain Development: Conducting and Orchestrated by Cortical Network Activity

Throughout early phases of brain development, the two main neural signaling mechanisms—excitation and inhibition—are dynamically sculpted in the neocortex to establish primary functions. Despite its relatively late formation and persistent developmental changes, the GABAergic system promotes the ordered shaping of neuronal circuits at the structural and functional levels. Within this frame, interneurons participate first in spontaneous and later in sensory-evoked activity patterns that precede cortical functions of the mature brain. Upon their subcortical generation, interneurons in the embryonic brain must first orderly migrate to and settle in respective target layers before they can actively engage in cortical network activity. During this process, changes at the molecular and synaptic level of interneurons allow not only their coordinated formation but also the pruning of connections as well as excitatory and inhibitory synapses. At the postsynaptic site, the shift of GABAergic signaling from an excitatory towards an inhibitory response is required to enable synchronization within cortical networks. Concomitantly, the progressive specification of different interneuron subtypes endows the neocortex with distinct local cortical circuits and region-specific modulation of neuronal firing. Finally, the apoptotic process further refines neuronal populations by constantly maintaining a controlled ratio of inhibitory and excitatory neurons. Interestingly, many of these fundamental and complex processes are influenced—if not directly controlled—by electrical activity. Interneurons on the subcellular, cellular, and network level are affected by high frequency patterns, such as spindle burst and gamma oscillations in rodents and delta brushes in humans. Conversely, the maturation of interneuron structure and function on each of these scales feeds back and contributes to the generation of cortical activity patterns that are essential for the proper peri- and postnatal development. Overall, a more precise description of the conducting role of interneurons in terms of how they contribute to specific activity patterns—as well as how specific activity patterns impinge on their maturation as orchestra members—will lead to a better understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological development and function of the nervous system.

Modelling the spatial and temporal constrains of the GABAergic influence on neuronal excitability

GABA (γ-amino butyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain that can mediate depolarizing responses during development or after neuropathological insults. Under which conditions GABAergic membrane depolarizations are sufficient to impose excitatory effects is hard to predict, as shunting inhibition and GABAergic effects on spatiotemporal filtering of excitatory inputs must be considered. To evaluate at which reversal potential a net excitatory effect was imposed by GABA (E_GABA^Thr), we performed a detailed in-silico study using simple neuronal topologies and distinct spatiotemporal relations between GABAergic and glutamatergic inputs.

These simulations revealed for GABAergic synapses located at the soma an E_GABA^Thr close to action potential threshold (E_AP^Thr), while with increasing dendritic distance E_GABA^Thr shifted to positive values. The impact of GABA on AMPA-mediated inputs revealed a complex temporal and spatial dependency. E_GABA^Thr depends on the temporal relation between GABA and AMPA inputs, with a striking negative shift in E_GABA^Thr for AMPA inputs appearing after the GABA input. The spatial dependency between GABA and AMPA inputs revealed a complex profile, with E_GABA^Thr being shifted to values negative to E_AP^Thr for AMPA synapses located proximally to the GABA input, while for distally located AMPA synapses the dendritic distance had only a minor effect on E_GABA^Thr. For tonic GABAergic conductances E_GABA^Thr was negative to E_AP^Thr over a wide range of g_GABA^tonic values. In summary, these results demonstrate that for several physiologically relevant situations E_GABA^Thr is negative to E_AP^Thr, suggesting that depolarizing GABAergic responses can mediate excitatory effects even if E_GABA did not reach E_AP^Thr.

The neurotransmitter GABA mediates an inhibitory action in the mature brain, while it was found that GABA provokes depolarizations in the immature brain or after neurological insults. It is, however, not clear to which extend these GABAergic depolarizations can contribute to an excitatory effect. In the present manuscript we approached this question with a computational model of a simplified neurons to determine what amount of a GABAergic depolarizing effect, which we quantified by the so called GABA reversal potential (E_GABA), was required to turn GABAergic inhibition to excitation. The results of our simulations revealed that if GABA was applied alone a GABAergic excitation was induced when E_GABA was around the action potential threshold. When GABA was applied together with additional excitatory inputs, which is the physiological situation in the brain, only for spatially and temporally correlated inputs E_GABA was close to the action potential threshold. For situations in which the additional excitatory inputs appear after the GABA input or are distant to the GABA input, an excitatory effect of GABA could be observed already at E_GABA substantially negative to the action potential threshold. This results indicate that even slightly depolarizing GABA responses, which may be induced during or after neurological insults, can potentially turn GABAergic inhibition into GABAergic excitation.

Human stem cell-derived GABAergic neurons functionally integrate into human neuronal networks

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-releasing interneurons modulate neuronal network activity in the brain by inhibiting other neurons. The alteration or absence of these cells disrupts the balance between excitatory and inhibitory processes, leading to neurological disorders such as epilepsy. In this regard, cell-based therapy may be an alternative therapeutic approach. We generated light-sensitive human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived GABAergic interneurons (hdIN) and tested their functionality. After 35 days in vitro (DIV), hdINs showed electrophysiological properties and spontaneous synaptic currents comparable to mature neurons. In co-culture with human cortical neurons and after transplantation (AT) into human brain tissue resected from patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, light-activated channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) expressing hdINs induced postsynaptic currents in human neurons, strongly suggesting functional efferent synapse formation. These results provide a proof-of-concept that hESC-derived neurons can integrate and modulate the activity of a human host neuronal network. Therefore, this study supports the possibility of precise temporal control of network excitability by transplantation of light-sensitive interneurons.

The multiple facets of Cajal-Retzius neurons

Cajal-Retzius neurons (CRs) are among the first-born neurons in the developing cortex of reptiles, birds and mammals, including humans. The peculiarity of CRs lies in the fact they are initially embedded into the immature neuronal network before being almost completely eliminated by cell death at the end of cortical development. CRs are best known for controlling the migration of glutamatergic neurons and the formation of cortical layers through the secretion of the glycoprotein reelin. However, they have been shown to play numerous additional key roles at many steps of cortical development, spanning from patterning and sizing functional areas to synaptogenesis. The use of genetic lineage tracing has allowed the discovery of their multiple ontogenetic origins, migratory routes, expression of molecular markers and death dynamics. Nowadays, single-cell technologies enable us to appreciate the molecular heterogeneity of CRs with an unprecedented resolution. In this Review, we discuss the morphological, electrophysiological, molecular and genetic criteria allowing the identification of CRs. We further expose the various sources, migration trajectories, developmental functions and death dynamics of CRs. Finally, we demonstrate how the analysis of public transcriptomic datasets allows extraction of the molecular signature of CRs throughout their transient life and consider their heterogeneity within and across species.

Phenobarbital, midazolam, bumetanide, and neonatal seizures: The devil is in the details

Kaila, Löscher, and colleagues report that phenobarbital (PHB) and midazolam (MDZ) attenuate neonatal seizures following birth asphyxia, but the former only when applied before asphyxia and the latter before or after the triggering insult. In contrast, the NKCC1 chloride importer antagonist bumetanide (BUM) had no effect whether applied alone or with PHB. The observations are compelling and in accord with earlier studies. However, there are several general issues that deserve discussion. What is the clinical relevance of these data and the validity of animal models of encephalopathic seizures? Why is it that although they act on similar targets, these agents have different efficacy? Are both PHB and MDZ actions restricted to γ-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) mechanisms? Why is BUM inefficient in attenuating seizures but capable of reducing the severity of other brain disorders? We suggest that the relative failure of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) to treat this severe life-threatening condition is in part explicable by the recurrent seizures that shift the polarity of GABA, thereby counteracting their effects on their target. AEDs might be efficient after a few seizures but not recurrent ones. In addition, PHB and MDZ actions are not limited to GABA signals. BUM efficiently attenuates autism symptomatology notably in patients with tuberous sclerosis but does not reduce the recurrent seizures, illustrating the uniqueness of epilepsies. Therefore, the efficacy of AEDs to treat babies with encephalopathic seizures will depend on the history and severity of the seizures prior to their administration, challenging a universal common underlying mechanism.

A quantitative flux assay for the study of reconstituted Cl- channels and transporters

The recent deluge of high-resolution structural information on membrane proteins has not been accompanied by a comparable increase in our ability to functionally interrogate these proteins. Current functional assays often are not quantitative or are performed in conditions that significantly differ from those used in structural experiments, thus limiting the mechanistic correspondence between structural and functional experiments. A flux assay to determine quantitatively the functional properties of purified and reconstituted Cl^- channels and transporters in membranes of defined lipid compositions is described. An ion-sensitive electrode is used to measure the rate of Cl^- efflux from proteoliposomes reconstituted with the desired protein and the fraction of vesicles containing at least one active protein. These measurements enable the quantitative determination of key molecular parameters such as the unitary transport rate, the fraction of proteins that are active, and the molecular mass of the transport protein complex. The approach is illustrated using CLC-ec1, a CLC-type H⁺/Cl^- exchanger as an example. The assay enables the quantitative study of a wide range of Cl^- transporting molecules and proteins whose activity is modulated by ligands, voltage, and membrane composition as well as the investigation of the effects of compounds that directly inhibit or activate the reconstituted transport systems. The present assay is readily adapted to the study of transport systems with diverse substrate specificities and molecular characteristics, and the necessary modifications needed are discussed.

The Multifaceted Roles of KCC2 in Cortical Development

KCC2, best known as the neuron-specific chloride-extruder that sets the strength and polarity of GABAergic currents during neuronal maturation, is a multifunctional molecule that can regulate cytoskeletal dynamics via its C-terminal domain (CTD). We describe the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the multiple functions of KCC2 and its splice variants, ranging from developmental apoptosis and the control of early network events to the formation and plasticity of cortical dendritic spines. The versatility of KCC2 actions at the cellular and subcellular levels is also evident in mature neurons during plasticity, disease, and aging. Thus, KCC2 has emerged as one of the most important molecules that shape the overall neuronal phenotype.

Intricacies of GABAA Receptor Function: The Critical Role of the β3 Subunit in Norm and Pathology

Neuronal intracellular chloride ([Cl⁻]_i) is a key determinant in γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA)ergic signaling. γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABA_ARs) mediate both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission, as the passive fluxes of Cl⁻ and HCO₃⁻ via pores can be reversed by changes in the transmembrane concentration gradient of Cl⁻. The cation–chloride co-transporters (CCCs) are the primary systems for maintaining [Cl⁻]_i homeostasis. However, despite extensive electrophysiological data obtained in vitro that are supported by a wide range of molecular biological studies on the expression patterns and properties of CCCs, the presence of ontogenetic changes in [Cl⁻]_i—along with the consequent shift in GABA reversal potential—remain a subject of debate. Recent studies showed that the β3 subunit possesses properties of the P-type ATPase that participates in the ATP-consuming movement of Cl⁻ via the receptor. Moreover, row studies have demonstrated that the β3 subunit is a key player in GABA_AR performance and in the appearance of serious neurological disorders. In this review, we discuss the properties and driving forces of CCCs and Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻ATPase in the maintenance of [Cl⁻]_i homeostasis after changes in upcoming GABA_AR function. Moreover, we discuss the contribution of the β3 subunit in the manifestation of epilepsy, autism, and other syndromes.

Coincident glutamatergic depolarizations enhance GABAA receptor-dependent Cl- influx in mature and suppress Cl- efflux in immature neurons

The impact of GABAergic transmission on neuronal excitability depends on the Cl^--gradient across membranes. However, the Cl^--fluxes through GABA_A receptors alter the intracellular Cl^- concentration ([Cl^-]_i) and in turn attenuate GABAergic responses, a process termed ionic plasticity. Recently it has been shown that coincident glutamatergic inputs significantly affect ionic plasticity. Yet how the [Cl^-]_i changes depend on the properties of glutamatergic inputs and their spatiotemporal relation to GABAergic stimuli is unknown. To investigate this issue, we used compartmental biophysical models of Cl^- dynamics simulating either a simple ball-and-stick topology or a reconstructed CA3 neuron. These computational experiments demonstrated that glutamatergic co-stimulation enhances GABA receptor-mediated Cl^- influx at low and attenuates or reverses the Cl^- efflux at high initial [Cl^-]_i. The size of glutamatergic influence on GABAergic Cl^--fluxes depends on the conductance, decay kinetics, and localization of glutamatergic inputs. Surprisingly, the glutamatergic shift in GABAergic Cl^--fluxes is invariant to latencies between GABAergic and glutamatergic inputs over a substantial interval. In agreement with experimental data, simulations in a reconstructed CA3 pyramidal neuron with physiological patterns of correlated activity revealed that coincident glutamatergic synaptic inputs contribute significantly to the activity-dependent [Cl^-]_i changes. Whereas the influence of spatial correlation between distributed glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs was negligible, their temporal correlation played a significant role. In summary, our results demonstrate that glutamatergic co-stimulation had a substantial impact on ionic plasticity of GABAergic responses, enhancing the attenuation of GABAergic inhibition in the mature nervous systems, but suppressing GABAergic [Cl^-]_i changes in the immature brain. Therefore, glutamatergic shift in GABAergic Cl^--fluxes should be considered as a relevant factor of short-term plasticity.

Information processing in the brain requires that excitation and inhibition are balanced. The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain is gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA). GABA actions depend on the Cl^--gradient, but activation of ionotropic GABA receptors causes Cl^--fluxes and thus reduces GABAergic inhibition. Here, we investigated how a coincident membrane depolarization by excitatory glutamatergic synapses influences GABA-induced Cl^--fluxes using a biophysical compartmental model of Cl^- dynamics, simulating either simple or realistic neuron topologies. We demonstrate that glutamatergic co-stimulation directly affects GABA-induced Cl^--fluxes, with the size of glutamatergic effects depending on the conductance, the decay kinetics, and localization of glutamatergic inputs. We also show that the glutamatergic shift in GABAergic Cl^--fluxes is surprisingly stable over a substantial range of latencies between glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs. We conclude from these results that glutamatergic co-stimulation alters GABAergic Cl^--fluxes and in turn affects the strength of GABAergic inhibition. These coincidence-dependent ionic changes should be considered as a relevant factor of short-term plasticity in the CNS.

NKCC1, an Elusive Molecular Target in Brain Development: Making Sense of the Existing Data

Ionotropic GABA transmission is mediated by anion (mainly Cl⁻)-permeable GABA_A receptors (GABA_ARs). In immature neurons, GABA exerts depolarizing and sometimes functionally excitatory actions, based on active uptake of Cl⁻ by the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter NKCC1. While functional evidence firmly shows NKCC1-mediated ion transport in immature and diseased neurons, molecular detection of NKCC1 in the brain has turned out to be extremely difficult. In this review, we describe the highly inconsistent data that are available on the cell type-specific expression patterns of the NKCC1 mRNA and protein in the CNS. We discuss the major technical caveats, including a lack of knock-out-controlled immunohistochemistry in the forebrain, possible effects of alternative splicing on the binding of antibodies and RNA probes, and the wide expression of NKCC1 in different cell types, which make whole-tissue analyses of NKCC1 useless for studying its neuronal expression. We also review novel single-cell RNAseq data showing that most of the NKCC1 in the adult CNS may, in fact, be expressed in non-neuronal cells, especially in glia. As future directions, we suggest single-cell NKCC1 mRNA and protein analyses and the use of genetically tagged endogenous proteins or systematically designed novel antibodies, together with proper knock-out controls, for the visualization of endogenous NKCC1 in distinct brain cell types and their subcellular compartments.

On the origin of ultraslow spontaneous Na+ fluctuations in neurons of the neonatal forebrain

Spontaneous neuronal and astrocytic activity in the neonate forebrain is believed to drive the maturation of individual cells and their integration into complex brain-region-specific networks. The previously reported forms include bursts of electrical activity and oscillations in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration. Here, we use ratiometric Na⁺ imaging to demonstrate spontaneous fluctuations in the intracellular Na⁺ concentration of CA1 pyramidal neurons and astrocytes in tissue slices obtained from the hippocampus of mice at postnatal days 2-4 (P2-4). These occur at very low frequency (∼2/h), can last minutes with amplitudes up to several millimolar, and mostly disappear after the first postnatal week. To further investigate their mechanisms, we model a network consisting of pyramidal neurons and interneurons. Experimentally observed Na⁺ fluctuations are mimicked when GABAergic inhibition in the simulated network is made depolarizing. Both our experiments and computational model show that blocking voltage-gated Na⁺ channels or GABAergic signaling significantly diminish the neuronal Na⁺ fluctuations. On the other hand, blocking a variety of other ion channels, receptors, or transporters including glutamatergic pathways does not have significant effects. Our model also shows that the amplitude and duration of Na⁺ fluctuations decrease as we increase the strength of glial K⁺ uptake. Furthermore, neurons with smaller somatic volumes exhibit fluctuations with higher frequency and amplitude. As opposed to this, larger extracellular to intracellular volume ratio observed in neonatal brain exerts a dampening effect. Finally, our model predicts that these periods of spontaneous Na⁺ influx leave neonatal neuronal networks more vulnerable to seizure-like states when compared with mature brain.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Spontaneous activity in the neonate forebrain plays a key role in cell maturation and brain development. We report spontaneous, ultraslow, asynchronous fluctuations in the intracellular Na⁺ concentration of neurons and astrocytes. We show that this activity is not correlated with the previously reported synchronous neuronal population bursting or Ca²⁺ oscillations, both of which occur at much faster timescales. Furthermore, extracellular K⁺ concentration remains nearly constant. The spontaneous Na⁺ fluctuations disappear after the first postnatal week.

Horizontal Cell Feedback to Cone Photoreceptors in Mammalian Retina: Novel Insights From the GABA-pH Hybrid Model

How neurons in the eye feed signals back to photoreceptors to optimize sensitivity to patterns of light appears to be mediated by one or more unconventional mechanisms. Via these mechanisms, horizontal cells control photoreceptor synaptic gain and enhance key aspects of temporal and spatial center-surround receptive field antagonism. After the transduction of light energy into an electrical signal in photoreceptors, the next key task in visual processing is the transmission of an optimized signal to the follower neurons in the retina. For this to happen, the release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate from photoreceptors is carefully regulated via horizontal cell feedback, which acts as a thermostat to keep the synaptic transmission in an optimal range during changes to light patterns and intensities. Novel findings of a recently described model that casts a classical neurotransmitter system together with ion transport mechanisms to adjust the alkaline milieu outside the synapse are reviewed. This novel inter-neuronal messaging system carries feedback signals using two separate, but interwoven regulated systems. The complex interplay between these two signaling modalities, creating synaptic modulation-at-a-distance, has obscured it’s being defined. The foundations of our understanding of the feedback mechanism from horizontal cells to photoreceptors have been long established: Horizontal cells have broad receptive fields, suitable for providing surround inhibition, their membrane potential, a function of stimulus intensity and size, regulates inhibition of photoreceptor voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels, and strong artificial pH buffering eliminates this action. This review compares and contrasts models of how these foundations are linked, focusing on a recent report in mammals that shows tonic horizontal cell release of GABA activating Cl⁻ and HCO₃⁻ permeable GABA autoreceptors. The membrane potential of horizontal cells provides the driving force for GABAR-mediated HCO₃⁻ efflux, alkalinizing the cleft when horizontal cells are hyperpolarized by light or adding to their depolarization in darkness and contributing to cleft acidification via NHE-mediated H⁺ efflux. This model challenges interpretations of earlier studies that were considered to rule out a role for GABA in feedback to cones.

NKCC-1 mediated Cl- uptake in immature CA3 pyramidal neurons is sufficient to compensate phasic GABAergic inputs

Activation of GABA_A receptors causes in immature neurons a functionally relevant decrease in the intracellular Cl^- concentration ([Cl^-]_i), a process termed ionic plasticity. Amount and duration of ionic plasticity depends on kinetic properties of [Cl^-]_i homeostasis. In order to characterize the capacity of Cl^- accumulation and to quantify the effect of persistent GABAergic activity on [Cl^-]_i, we performed gramicidin-perforated patch-clamp recordings from CA3 pyramidal neurons of immature (postnatal day 4-7) rat hippocampal slices. These experiments revealed that inhibition of NKCC1 decreased [Cl^-]_i toward passive distribution with a time constant of 381 s. In contrast, active Cl^- accumulation occurred with a time constant of 155 s, corresponding to a rate of 15.4 µM/s. Inhibition of phasic GABAergic activity had no significant effect on steady state [Cl^-]_i. Inhibition of tonic GABAergic currents induced a significant [Cl^-]_i increase by 1.6 mM, while activation of tonic extrasynaptic GABA_A receptors with THIP significantly reduced [Cl^-]_i.. Simulations of neuronal [Cl^-]_i homeostasis supported the observation, that basal levels of synaptic GABAergic activation do not affect [Cl^-]_i. In summary, these results indicate that active Cl^--uptake in immature hippocampal neurons is sufficient to maintain stable [Cl^-]_i at basal levels of phasic and to some extent also to compensate tonic GABAergic activity.

Differential expression of Na+/K+/Cl- cotransporter 1 in neurons and glial cells within the superficial spinal dorsal horn of rodents

Although convincing experimental evidence indicates that Na⁺/K⁺/Cl^- cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) is involved in spinal nociceptive information processing and in the generation of hyperalgesia and allodynia in chronic pain states, the cellular distribution of NKCC1 in the superficial spinal dorsal horn is still poorly understood. Because this important piece of knowledge is missing, the effect of NKCC1 on pain processing is still open to conflicting interpretations. In this study, to provide the missing experimental data, we investigated the cellular distribution of NKCC1 in the superficial spinal dorsal horn by immunohistochemical methods. We demonstrated for the first time that almost all spinal axon terminals of peptidergic nociceptive primary afferents express NKCC1. In contrast, virtually all spinal axon terminals of nonpeptidergic nociceptive primary afferents were negative for NKCC1. Data on the colocalization of NKCC1 with axonal and glial markers indicated that it is almost exclusively expressed by axon terminals and glial cells in laminae I-IIo. In lamina IIi, however, we observed a strong immunostaining for NKCC1 also in the dendrites and cell bodies of PV-containing inhibitory neurons and a weak staining in PKCγ-containing excitatory neurons. Our results facilitate further thinking about the role of NKCC1 in spinal pain processing.

Staurosporine and NEM mainly impair WNK-SPAK/OSR1 mediated phosphorylation of KCC2 and NKCC1

The pivotal role of KCC2 and NKCC1 in development and maintenance of fast inhibitory neurotransmission and their implication in severe human diseases arouse interest in posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms such as (de)phosphorylation. Staurosporine (broad kinase inhibitor) and N-ethylmalemide (NEM) that modulate kinase and phosphatase activities enhance KCC2 and decrease NKCC1 activity. Here, we investigated the regulatory mechanism for this reciprocal regulation by mass spectrometry and immunoblot analyses using phospho-specific antibodies. Our analyses revealed that application of staurosporine or NEM dephosphorylates Thr1007 of KCC2, and Thr203, Thr207 and Thr212 of NKCC1. Dephosphorylation of Thr1007 of KCC2, and Thr207 and Thr212 of NKCC1 were previously demonstrated to activate KCC2 and to inactivate NKCC1. In addition, application of the two agents resulted in dephosphorylation of the T-loop and S-loop phosphorylation sites Thr233 and Ser373 of SPAK, a critical kinase in the WNK-SPAK/OSR1 signaling module mediating phosphorylation of KCC2 and NKCC1. Taken together, these results suggest that reciprocal regulation of KCC2 and NKCC1 via staurosporine and NEM is based on WNK-SPAK/OSR1 signaling. The key regulatory phospho-site Ser940 of KCC2 is not critically involved in the enhanced activation of KCC2 upon staurosporine and NEM treatment, as both agents have opposite effects on its phosphorylation status. Finally, NEM acts in a tissue-specific manner on Ser940, as shown by comparative analysis in HEK293 cells and immature cultured hippocampal neurons. In summary, our analyses identified phospho-sites that are responsive to staurosporine or NEM application. This provides important information towards a better understanding of the cooperative interactions of different phospho-sites.

Chloride homeodynamics underlying modal shifts in cellular and network oscillations

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) generally induces hyperpolarization and inhibition in the adult brain, but causes depolarization (and can be excitatory) in the immature brain. Depolarizing GABA actions are necessary for neurogenesis, differentiation, migration, and synaptogenesis. Additionally, the conversion of GABA responses from inhibition to excitation can be induced in adults by pathological conditions. Because GABA_A receptors are Cl^- channels, alternating GABA actions between hyperpolarization (Cl^- influx) and depolarization (Cl^- efflux) are induced by changes in the Cl^- gradient, which is regulated by C^- transporters. Thus, the dynamics of neural functions are modulated by active Cl^- homeostasis (Cl^- homeodynamics), alternating inhibition and excitation, and could underlie the modal shifts in cellular and network oscillations. Such a modal shift in GABA actions is required for normal development. Thus disturbances in this developmental GABA modal shift and/or the induction of excitatory GABA action in adult could underlie the pathogenesis of diverse neurological diseases (so-called network diseases).

Loss of non-canonical KCC2 functions promotes developmental apoptosis of cortical projection neurons

KCC2, encoded in humans by the SLC12A5 gene, is a multifunctional neuron-specific protein initially identified as the chloride (Cl^- ) extruder critical for hyperpolarizing GABA_A receptor currents. Independently of its canonical function as a K-Cl cotransporter, KCC2 regulates the actin cytoskeleton via molecular interactions mediated through its large intracellular C-terminal domain (CTD). Contrary to the common assumption that embryonic neocortical projection neurons express KCC2 at non-significant levels, here we show that loss of KCC2 enhances apoptosis of late-born upper-layer cortical projection neurons in the embryonic brain. In utero electroporation of plasmids encoding truncated, transport-dead KCC2 constructs retaining the CTD was as efficient as of that encoding full-length KCC2 in preventing elimination of migrating projection neurons upon conditional deletion of KCC2. This was in contrast to the effect of a full-length KCC2 construct bearing a CTD missense mutation (KCC2^R952H ), which disrupts cytoskeletal interactions and has been found in patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders, notably seizures and epilepsy. Together, our findings indicate ion transport-independent, CTD-mediated regulation of developmental apoptosis by KCC2 in migrating cortical projection neurons.

Spontaneous Ultraslow Na+ Fluctuations in the Neonatal Mouse Brain

In the neonate forebrain, network formation is driven by the spontaneous synchronized activity of pyramidal cells and interneurons, consisting of bursts of electrical activity and intracellular Ca²⁺ oscillations. By employing ratiometric Na⁺ imaging in tissue slices obtained from animals at postnatal day 2-4 (P2-4), we found that 20% of pyramidal neurons and 44% of astrocytes in neonatal mouse hippocampus also exhibit transient fluctuations in intracellular Na⁺. These occurred at very low frequencies (~2/h), were exceptionally long (~8 min), and strongly declined after the first postnatal week. Similar Na⁺ fluctuations were also observed in the neonate neocortex. In the hippocampus, Na⁺ elevations in both cell types were diminished when blocking action potential generation with tetrodotoxin. Neuronal Na⁺ fluctuations were significantly reduced by bicuculline, suggesting the involvement of GABA_A-receptors in their generation. Astrocytic signals, by contrast, were neither blocked by inhibition of receptors and/or transporters for different transmitters including GABA and glutamate, nor of various Na⁺-dependent transporters or Na⁺-permeable channels. In summary, our results demonstrate for the first time that neonatal astrocytes and neurons display spontaneous ultraslow Na⁺ fluctuations. While neuronal Na⁺ signals apparently largely rely on suprathreshold GABAergic excitation, astrocytic Na⁺ signals, albeit being dependent on neuronal action potentials, appear to have a separate trigger and mechanism, the source of which remains unclear at present.

Activity-dependent death of transient Cajal-Retzius neurons is required for functional cortical wiring

Programmed cell death and early activity contribute to the emergence of functional cortical circuits. While most neuronal populations are scaled-down by death, some subpopulations are entirely eliminated, raising the question of the importance of such demise for cortical wiring. Here, we addressed this issue by focusing on Cajal-Retzius neurons (CRs), key players in cortical development that are eliminated in postnatal mice in part via Bax-dependent apoptosis. Using Bax-conditional mutants and CR hyperpolarization, we show that the survival of electrically active subsets of CRs triggers an increase in both dendrite complexity and spine density of upper layer pyramidal neurons, leading to an excitation/inhibition imbalance. The survival of these CRs is induced by hyperpolarization, highlighting an interplay between early activity and neuronal elimination. Taken together, our study reveals a novel activity-dependent programmed cell death process required for the removal of transient immature neurons and the proper wiring of functional cortical circuits.

Developmental Changes of Glutamate and GABA Receptor Densities in Wistar Rats

Neurotransmitters and their receptors are key molecules of signal transduction and subject to various changes during pre- and postnatal development. Previous studies addressed ontogeny at the level of neurotransmitters and expression of neurotransmitter receptor subunits. However, developmental changes in receptor densities to this day are not well understood. Here, we analyzed developmental changes in excitatory glutamate and inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in adjacent sections of the rat brain by means of quantitative in vitro receptor autoradiography. Receptor densities of the ionotropic glutamatergic receptors α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), kainate and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) as well as of the ionotropic GABA_A and metabotropic GABA_B receptors were investigated using specific high-affinity ligands. For each receptor binding site, significant density differences were demonstrated in the investigated regions of interest [olfactory bulb, striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum] and developmental stages [postnatal day (P) 0, 10, 20, 30 and 90]. In particular, we showed that the glutamatergic and GABAergic receptor densities were already present between P0 and P10 in all regions of interest, which may indicate the early relevance of these receptors for brain development. A transient increase of glutamatergic receptor densities in the hippocampus was found, indicating their possible involvement in synaptic plasticity. We demonstrated a decline of NMDA receptor densities in the striatum and hippocampus from P30 to P90, which could be due to synapse elimination, a process that redefines neuronal networks in postnatal brains. Furthermore, the highest increase in GABA_A receptor densities from P10 to P20 coincides with the developmental shift from excitatory to inhibitory GABA transmission. Moreover, the increase from P10 to P20 in GABA_A receptor densities in the cerebellum corresponds to a point in time when functional GABAergic synapses are formed. Taken together, the present data reveal differential changes in glutamate and GABA receptor densities during postnatal rat brain development, which may contribute to their specific functions during ontogenesis, thus providing a deeper understanding of brain ontogenesis and receptor function.

Coincident Activation of Glutamate Receptors Enhances GABAA Receptor-Induced Ionic Plasticity of the Intracellular Cl--Concentration in Dissociated Neuronal Cultures

Massive activation of γ-amino butyric acid A (GABA_A) receptors during pathophysiological activity induces an increase in the intracellular Cl^--concentration ([Cl^-]_i), which is sufficient to render GABAergic responses excitatory. However, to what extent physiological levels of GABAergic activity can influence [Cl^-]_i is not known. Aim of the present study is to reveal whether moderate activation of GABA_A receptors mediates functionally relevant [Cl^-]_i changes and whether these changes can be augmented by coincident glutamatergic activity. To address these questions, we used whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from cultured cortical neurons [at days in vitro (DIV) 6-22] to determine changes in the GABA reversal potential (E_GABA) induced by short bursts of GABAergic and/or synchronized glutamatergic stimulation. These experiments revealed that pressure-application of 10 short muscimol pulses at 10 Hz induced voltage-dependent [Cl^-]_i changes. Under current-clamp conditions this muscimol burst induced a [Cl^-]_i increase of 3.1 ± 0.4 mM (n = 27), which was significantly enhanced to 4.6 ± 0.5 mM (n = 27) when glutamate was applied synchronously with the muscimol pulses. The muscimol-induced [Cl^-]_i increase significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of GABA, as determined by the GABAergic rheobase shift. The synchronous coapplication of glutamate pulses had no additional effect on the attenuation of GABAergic inhibition, despite the larger [Cl^-]_i transients under these conditions. In summary, these results indicate that moderate GABAergic activity can induce functionally relevant [Cl^-]_i transients, which were enhanced by coincident glutamate pulses. This ionic plasticity of [Cl^-]_i may contribute to short-term plasticity of the GABAergic system.

Developmentally regulated KCC2 phosphorylation is essential for dynamic GABA-mediated inhibition and survival

Despite its importance for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibition and involvement in neurodevelopmental disease, the regulatory mechanisms of the K+/Cl- cotransporter KCC2 (encoded by SLC12A5) during maturation of the central nervous system (CNS) are not entirely understood. Here, we applied quantitative phosphoproteomics to systematically map sites of KCC2 phosphorylation during CNS development in the mouse. KCC2 phosphorylation at Thr906 and Thr1007, which inhibits KCC2 activity, underwent dephosphorylation in parallel with the GABA excitatory-inhibitory sequence in vivo. Knockin mice expressing the homozygous phosphomimetic KCC2 mutations T906E/T1007E (Kcc2E/E ), which prevented the normal developmentally regulated dephosphorylation of these sites, exhibited early postnatal death from respiratory arrest and a marked absence of cervical spinal neuron respiratory discharges. Kcc2E/E mice also displayed disrupted lumbar spinal neuron locomotor rhythmogenesis and touch-evoked status epilepticus associated with markedly impaired KCC2-dependent Cl- extrusion. These data identify a previously unknown phosphorylation-dependent KCC2 regulatory mechanism during CNS development that is essential for dynamic GABA-mediated inhibition and survival.

Allopregnanolone augments epileptiform activity of an in-vitro mouse hippocampal preparation in the first postnatal week

In the immature brain the neurotransmitter γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) mediates a membrane depolarization and can contribute to both, inhibition and excitation. Therefore the consequences of a positive modulation of GABA(A) receptors by neurosteroids on epileptiform activity are hard to predict. In order to analyze whether neurosteroids attenuate or exaggerate epileptiform activity in the immature brain, we investigated the effect of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone on epileptiform activity in an in-toto hippocampus preparation of early postnatal mice (postnatal days 4-7) using field potential recordings. These in-vitro experiments revealed that 0.5 μmol/L allopregnanolone had no effect on ictal-like epileptiform activity, but increased the occurrence of interictal epileptiform events. The allopregnanolone-induced enhancement of interictal epileptiform activity could be blocked by a selective inhibition of synaptic GABA_A receptors. In contrast, allopregnanolone had no effect on interictal epileptiform activity upon enhanced extrasynaptic GABAergic activity. Patch-clamp experiments demonstrated that allopregnanolone prolonged the decay of GABAergic postsynaptic currents, but had no effect on tonic GABAergic currents. We conclude from these results that allopregnanolone can enhance excitability in the immature hippocampus viaprolonged synaptic GABAergic currents. This potential effect of neurosteroids on brain excitability should be considered if they are applied as anticonvulsants to premature or early postnatal babies.

Developmental Cell Death in the Cerebral Cortex

In spite of the high metabolic cost of cellular production, the brain contains only a fraction of the neurons generated during embryonic development. In the rodent cerebral cortex, a first wave of programmed cell death surges at embryonic stages and affects primarily progenitor cells. A second, larger wave unfolds during early postnatal development and ultimately determines the final number of cortical neurons. Programmed cell death in the developing cortex is particularly dependent on neuronal activity and unfolds in a cell-specific manner with precise temporal control. Pyramidal cells and interneurons adjust their numbers in sync, which is likely crucial for the establishment of balanced networks of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. In contrast, several other neuronal populations are almost completely eliminated through apoptosis during the first two weeks of postnatal development, highlighting the importance of programmed cell death in sculpting the mature cerebral cortex.

Novel hybrid action of GABA mediates inhibitory feedback in the mammalian retina

The stream of visual information sent from photoreceptors to second-order bipolar cells is intercepted by laterally interacting horizontal cells that generate feedback to optimize and improve the efficiency of signal transmission. The mechanisms underlying the regulation of graded photoreceptor synaptic output in this nonspiking network have remained elusive. Here, we analyze with patch clamp recording the novel mechanisms by which horizontal cells control pH in the synaptic cleft to modulate photoreceptor neurotransmitter release. First, we show that mammalian horizontal cells respond to their own GABA release and that the results of this autaptic action affect cone voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (CaV channel) gating through changes in pH. As a proof-of-principle, we demonstrate that chemogenetic manipulation of horizontal cells with exogenous anion channel expression mimics GABA-mediated cone CaV channel inhibition. Activation of these GABA receptor anion channels can depolarize horizontal cells and increase cleft acidity via Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) proton extrusion, which results in inhibition of cone CaV channels. This action is effectively counteracted when horizontal cells are sufficiently hyperpolarized by increased GABA receptor (GABAR)-mediated HCO3- efflux, alkalinizing the cleft and disinhibiting cone CaV channels. This demonstrates how hybrid actions of GABA operate in parallel to effect voltage-dependent pH changes, a novel mechanism for regulating synaptic output.

Interactions between Membrane Resistance, GABA-A Receptor Properties, Bicarbonate Dynamics and Cl--Transport Shape Activity-Dependent Changes of Intracellular Cl- Concentration

The effects of ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABA-A, GABA_A) activation depends critically on the Cl⁻-gradient across neuronal membranes. Previous studies demonstrated that the intracellular Cl⁻-concentration ([Cl⁻]_i) is not stable but shows a considerable amount of activity-dependent plasticity. To characterize how membrane properties and different molecules that are directly or indirectly involved in GABAergic synaptic transmission affect GABA-induced [Cl⁻]_i changes, we performed compartmental modeling in the NEURON environment. These simulations demonstrate that GABA-induced [Cl⁻]_i changes decrease at higher membrane resistance, revealing a sigmoidal dependency between both parameters. Increase in GABAergic conductivity enhances [Cl⁻]_i with a logarithmic dependency, while increasing the decay time of GABA_A receptors leads to a nearly linear enhancement of the [Cl⁻]_i changes. Implementing physiological levels of HCO₃⁻-conductivity to GABA_A receptors enhances the [Cl⁻]_i changes over a wide range of [Cl⁻]_i, but this effect depends on the stability of the HCO₃⁻ gradient and the intracellular pH. Finally, these simulations show that pure diffusional Cl⁻-elimination from dendrites is slow and that a high activity of Cl⁻-transport is required to improve the spatiotemporal restriction of GABA-induced [Cl⁻]_i changes. In summary, these simulations revealed a complex interplay between several key factors that influence GABA-induced [Cl]_i changes. The results suggest that some of these factors, including high resting [Cl⁻]_i, high input resistance, slow decay time of GABA_A receptors and dynamic HCO₃⁻ gradient, are specifically adapted in early postnatal neurons to facilitate limited activity-dependent [Cl⁻]_i decreases.

Giant Depolarizing Potentials Trigger Transient Changes in the Intracellular Cl- Concentration in CA3 Pyramidal Neurons of the Immature Mouse Hippocampus

Giant depolarizing potentials (GDPs) represent a typical spontaneous activity pattern in the immature hippocampus. GDPs are mediated by GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptic inputs and their initiation requires an excitatory GABAergic action, which is typical for immature neurons due to their elevated intracellular Cl^- concentration ([Cl^-]_i). Because GABA_A receptors are ligand-gated Cl^- channels, activation of these receptors can potentially influence [Cl^-]_i. However, whether the GABAergic activity during GDPs influences [Cl^-]_i is unclear. To address this question we performed whole-cell and gramicidin-perforated patch-clamp recordings from visually identified CA3 pyramidal neurons in immature hippocampal slices of mice at postnatal days 4–7. These experiments revealed that the [Cl^-]_i of CA3 neurons displays a considerable heterogeneity, ranging from 13 to 70 mM (average 38.1 ± 3.2 mM, n = 36). In accordance with this diverse [Cl^-]_i, GDPs induced either Cl^--effluxes or Cl^--influxes. In high [Cl^-]_i neurons with a negative Cl^--driving force (DF_Cl) the [Cl^-]_i decreased after a GDP by 12.4 ± 3.4 mM (n = 10), while in low [Cl^-]_i neurons with a positive DF_Cl [Cl^-]_i increased by 4.4 ± 0.9 mM (n = 6). Inhibition of GDP activity by application of the AMPA receptor antagonist CNQX led to a [Cl^-]_i decrease to 24.7 ± 2.9 mM (n = 8). We conclude from these results, that Cl^--fluxes via GABA_A receptors during GDPs induced substantial [Cl^-]_i changes and that this activity-dependent ionic plasticity in neuronal [Cl^-]_i contributes to the functional consequences of GABAergic responses, emphasizing the concept that [Cl^-]_i is a state- and compartment-dependent parameter of individual cells.

Putative Role of Taurine as Neurotransmitter During Perinatal Cortical Development

Neurotransmitters and neuronal activity affect neurodevelopmental events like neurogenesis, neuronal migration, apoptosis and differentiation. Beside glutamate and gamma-amino butyric acid, the aminosulfonic acid taurine has been considered as possible neurotransmitter that influences early neuronal development. In this article I review recent studies of our group which demonstrate that taurine can affect a variety of identified neuronal populations in the immature neocortex and directly modulates neuronal activity. These experiments revealed that taurine evoke dose-dependent membrane responses in a variety of neocortical neuron populations, including Cajal-Retzius cells, subplate neurons and GABAergic interneurons. Taurine responses persist in the presence of GABA(A) receptor antagonists and are reduced by the addition of strychnine, suggesting that glycine receptors are involved in taurine-mediated membrane responses. Gramicidin-perforated patch-clamp and cell-attached recordings demonstrated that taurine evokes depolarizing and mainly excitatory membrane responses, in accordance with the high intracellular Cl- concentration in immature neurons. In addition, taurine increases the frequency of postsynaptic GABAergic currents (PSCs) in a considerable fraction of immature pyramidal neurons, indicating a specific activation of presynaptic GABAergic networks projecting toward and exciting pyramidal neurons. In summary, these results suggest that taurine may be critically involved in the regulation of network excitability in the immature neocortex and hippocampus via interactions with glycine receptors.

Differential regulation of chloride homeostasis and GABAergic transmission in the thalamus

The thalamus is important for sensory integration with the ventrobasal thalamus (VB) as relay controlled by GABAergic projections from the nucleus reticularis thalami (NRT). Depending on the [Cl-]i primarily set by cation-chloride-cotransporters, GABA is inhibitory or excitatory. There is evidence that VB and NRT differ in terms of GABA action, with classical hyperpolarization in VB due to the expression of the Cl- extruder KCC2 and depolarizing/excitatory GABA action in the NRT, where KCC2 expression is low and Cl- accumulation by the Cl- inward transporter NKCC1 has been postulated. However, data on NKCC1 expression and functional analysis of both transporters are missing. We show that KCC2-mediated Cl- extrusion set the [Cl-]i in VB, while NKCC1 did not contribute substantially to Cl- accumulation and depolarizing GABA action in the NRT. The finding that NKCC1 did not play a major role in NRT neurons is of high relevance for ongoing studies on the therapeutic use of NKCC1 inhibitors trying to compensate for a disease-induced up-regulation of NKCC1 that has been described for various brain regions and disease states like epilepsy and chronic pain. These data suggest that NKCC1 inhibitors might have no major effect on healthy NRT neurons due to limited NKCC1 function.

Cajal-Retzius cells and GABAergic interneurons of the developing hippocampus: Close electrophysiological encounters of the third kind

In contrast to the large number of studies investigating the electrophysiological properties and synaptic connectivity of hippocampal pyramidal neurons, granule cells, and GABAergic interneurons, much less is known about Cajal-Retzius cells. In this review article, we discuss the possible reasons underlying this difference, and review experimental work performed on this cell type in the hippocampus, comparing it with results obtained in the neocortex. Our main emphasis is on data obtained with in vitro electrophysiology. In particular, we address the bidirectional connectivity between Cajal-Retzius cells and GABAergic interneurons, examine their synaptic properties and propose specific functions of Cajal-Retzius cell/GABAergic interneuron microcircuits. Lastly, we discuss the potential involvement of these microcircuits in critical physiological hippocampal functions such as postnatal neurogenesis or pathological scenarios such as temporal lobe epilepsy.

NKCC1-Mediated GABAergic Signaling Promotes Postnatal Cell Death in Neocortical Cajal-Retzius Cells

During early development, a substantial proportion of central neurons undergoes programmed cell death. This activity-dependent process is essential for the proper structural and functional development of the brain. To uncover cell type-specific differences in the regulation of neuronal survival versus apoptosis, we studied activity-regulated cell death in Cajal-Retzius neurons (CRNs) and the overall neuronal population in the developing mouse cerebral cortex. CRNs in the upper neocortical layer represent an early-born neuronal population, which is important for cortical development and largely disappears by apoptosis during neonatal stages. In contrast to the overall neuronal population, activity blockade with tetrodotoxin improved survival of CRNs in culture. Activation of GABAA receptors also blocked spontaneous activity and caused overall cell death including apoptosis of CRNs. Blockade of the Na-K-Cl transporter NKCC1 in vitro or its genetic deletion in vivo rescued CRNs from apoptosis. This effect was mediated by blockade of the p75NTR receptor signaling pathway. In summary, we discovered a novel developmental death pathway mediated by NKCC1, via GABAA receptor-mediated membrane depolarization and p75NTR signaling in CRNs. This pathway controls apoptosis of CRNs and may be critically involved in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

Oxytocin produces thermal analgesia via vasopressin-1a receptor by modulating TRPV1 and potassium conductance in the dorsal root ganglion neurons

Recent studies have provided several lines of evidence that peripheral administration of oxytocin induces analgesia in human and rodents. However, the exact underlying mechanism of analgesia still remains elusive. In the present study, we aimed to identify which receptor could mediate the analgesic effect of intraperitoneal injection of oxytocin and its cellular mechanisms in thermal pain behavior. We found that oxytocin-induced analgesia could be reversed by d(CH₂)₅[Tyr(Me)²,Dab⁵] AVP, a vasopressin-1a (V1a) receptor antagonist, but not by desGly-NH₂-d(CH₂)₅[DTyr², Thr⁴]OVT, an oxytocin receptor antagonist. Single cell RT-PCR analysis revealed that V1a receptor, compared to oxytocin, vasopressin-1b and vasopressin-2 receptors, was more profoundly expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and the expression of V1a receptor was predominant in transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-expressing DRG neurons. Fura-2 based calcium imaging experiments showed that capsaicin-induced calcium transient was significantly inhibited by oxytocin and that such inhibition was reversed by V1a receptor antagonist. Additionally, whole cell patch clamp recording demonstrated that oxytocin significantly increased potassium conductance via V1a receptor in DRG neurons. Taken together, our findings suggest that analgesic effects produced by peripheral administration of oxytocin were attributable to the activation of V1a receptor, resulting in reduction of TRPV1 activity and enhancement of potassium conductance in DRG neurons.

Role of KCC2-dependent potassium efflux in 4-Aminopyridine-induced Epileptiform synchronization

A balance between excitation and inhibition is necessary to maintain stable brain network dynamics. Traditionally, seizure activity is believed to arise from the breakdown of this delicate balance in favor of excitation with loss of inhibition. Surprisingly, recent experimental evidence suggests that this conventional view may be limited, and that inhibition plays a prominent role in the development of epileptiform synchronization. Here, we explored the role of the KCC2 co-transporter in the onset of inhibitory network-induced seizures. Our experiments in acute mouse brain slices, of either sex, revealed that optogenetic stimulation of either parvalbumin- or somatostatin-expressing interneurons induced ictal discharges in rodent entorhinal cortex during 4-aminopyridine application. These data point to a proconvulsive role of GABAA receptor signaling that is independent of the inhibitory input location (i.e., dendritic vs. somatic). We developed a biophysically realistic network model implementing dynamics of ion concentrations to explore the mechanisms leading to inhibitory network-induced seizures. In agreement with experimental results, we found that stimulation of the inhibitory interneurons induced seizure-like activity in a network with reduced potassium A-current. Our model predicts that interneuron stimulation triggered an increase of interneuron firing, which was accompanied by an increase in the intracellular chloride concentration and a subsequent KCC2-dependent gradual accumulation of the extracellular potassium promoting epileptiform ictal activity. When the KCC2 activity was reduced, stimulation of the interneurons was no longer able to induce ictal events. Overall, our study provides evidence for a proconvulsive role of GABAA receptor signaling that depends on the involvement of the KCC2 co-transporter.

Taurine as an Essential Neuromodulator during Perinatal Cortical Development

A variety of experimental studies demonstrated that neurotransmitters are an important factor for the development of the central nervous system, affecting neurodevelopmental events like neurogenesis, neuronal migration, programmed cell death, and differentiation. While the role of the classical neurotransmitters glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on neuronal development is well established, the aminosulfonic acid taurine has also been considered as possible neuromodulator during early neuronal development. The purpose of the present review article is to summarize the properties of taurine as neuromodulator in detail, focusing on the direct involvement of taurine on various neurodevelopmental events and the regulation of neuronal activity during early developmental epochs. The current knowledge is that taurine lacks a synaptic release mechanism but is released by volume-sensitive organic anion channels and/or a reversal of the taurine transporter. Extracellular taurine affects neurons and neuronal progenitor cells mainly via glycine, GABA(A), and GABA(B) receptors with considerable receptor and subtype-specific affinities. Taurine has been shown to directly influence neurogenesis in vitro as well as neuronal migration in vitro and in vivo. It provides a depolarizing signal for a variety of neuronal population in the immature central nervous system, thereby directly influencing neuronal activity. While in the neocortex, taurine probably enhance neuronal activity, in the immature hippocampus, a tonic taurinergic tone might be necessary to attenuate activity. In summary, taurine must be considered as an essential modulator of neurodevelopmental events, and possible adverse consequences on fetal and/or early postnatal development should be evaluated for pharmacological therapies affecting taurinergic functions.

GABAergic Transmission during Brain Development: Multiple Effects at Multiple Stages

In recent years, considerable progress has been achieved in deciphering the cellular and network functions of GABAergic transmission in the intact developing brain. First, in vivo studies in non-mammalian and mammalian species confirmed the long-held assumption that GABA acts as a mainly depolarizing neurotransmitter at early developmental stages. At the same time, GABAergic transmission was shown to spatiotemporally constrain spontaneous cortical activity, whereas firm evidence for GABAergic excitation in vivo is currently missing. Second, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that depolarizing GABA may contribute to the activity-dependent refinement of neural circuits. Third, alterations in GABA actions have been causally linked to developmental brain disorders and identified as potential targets of timed prophylactic interventions. In this article, we review these major recent findings and argue that both depolarizing and inhibitory GABA actions may be crucial for physiological brain maturation.

Trace elements during primordial plexiform network formation in human cerebral organoids

Systematic studies of micronutrients during brain formation are hindered by restrictions to animal models and adult post-mortem tissues. Recently, advances in stem cell biology have enabled recapitulation of the early stages of human telencephalon development in vitro. In the present work, we analyzed cerebral organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence in order to measure biologically valuable micronutrients incorporated and distributed into the exogenously developing brain. Our findings indicate that elemental inclusion in organoids is consistent with human brain tissue and involves P, S, K, Ca, Fe and Zn. Occurrence of different concentration gradients also suggests active regulation of elemental transmembrane transport. Finally, the analysis of pairs of elements shows interesting elemental interaction patterns that change from 30 to 45 days of development, suggesting short- or long-term associations, such as storage in similar compartments or relevance for time-dependent biological processes. These findings shed light on which trace elements are important during human brain development and will support studies aimed to unravel the consequences of disrupted metal homeostasis for neurodevelopmental diseases, including those manifested in adulthood.

NKCC1-Deficiency Results in Abnormal Proliferation of Neural Progenitor Cells of the Lateral Ganglionic Eminence

The proliferative pool of neural progenitor cells is maintained by exquisitely controlled mechanisms for cell cycle regulation. The Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC1) is important for regulating cell volume and the proliferation of different cell types in vitro. NKCC1 is expressed in ventral telencephalon of embryonic brains suggesting a potential role in neural development of this region. The ventral telencephalon is a major source for both interneuron and oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Whether NKCC1 is involved in the proliferation of these cell populations remains unknown. In order to assess this question, we monitored several markers for neural, neuronal, and proliferating cells in wild-type (WT) and NKCC1 knockout (KO) mouse brains. We found that NKCC1 was expressed in neural progenitor cells from the lateral ganglionic eminence (LGE) at E12.5. Mice lacking NKCC1 expression displayed reduced phospho-Histone H3 (PH3)-labeled mitotic cells in the ventricular zone (VZ) and reduced cell cycle reentry. Accordingly, we found a significant reduction of Sp8-labeled immature interneurons migrating from the dorsal LGE in NKCC1-deficient mice at a later developmental stage. Interestingly, at E14.5, NKCC1 regulated also the formation of Olig2-labeled oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Collectively, these findings show that NKCC1 serves in vivo as a modulator of the cell cycle decision in the developing ventral telencephalon at the early stage of neurogenesis. These results present a novel mechanistic avenue to be considered in the recent proposed involvement of chloride transporters in a number of developmentally related diseases, such as epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia.