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Wang R, Liu X, Sun C, Hu B, Yang L, Liu Y, Geng D, Lin J, Li Y. Altered Neurovascular Coupling in Patients With Mitochondrial Myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-Like Episodes (MELAS): A Combined Resting-State fMRI and Arterial Spin Labeling Study. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 60:327-336. [PMID: 37795920 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coupling between neuronal activity and blood perfusion is termed neurovascular coupling (NVC), and it provides a potentially new mechanistic perspective into understanding numerous brain diseases. Although abnormal brain activity and blood supply have been separately reported in mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), whether anomalous NVC would be present is unclear. PURPOSE To investigate NVC changes and potential neural basis in MELAS by combining resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) and arterial spin labeling (ASL). STUDY TYPE Prospective. SUBJECTS Twenty-four patients with MELAS (age: 29.8 ± 7.3 years) in the acute stage and 24 healthy controls (HCs, age: 26.4 ± 8.1 years). Additionally, 12 patients in the chronic stage were followed up. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3.0 T, resting-state gradient-recalled echo-planar imaging and pseudo-continuous 3D ASL sequences. ASSESSMENT Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional ALFF (fALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and functional connectivity strength (FCS) were calculated from rs-fMRI, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) was computed from ASL. Global NVC was assessed by correlation coefficients of CBF-ALFF, CBF-fALFF, CBF-ReHo, and CBF-FCS. Regional NVC was also evaluated by voxel-wise and lesion-wise ratios of CBF/ALFF, CBF/fALFF, CBF/ReHo, and CBF/FCS. STATISTICAL TESTS Two-sample t-test, paired-sample t-test, Gaussian random fields correction. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Compared with HC, MELAS patients in acute stage showed significantly reduced global CBF-ALFF, CBF-fALFF, CBF-ReHo, and CBF-FCS coupling (P < 0.001). Altered CBF/ALFF, CBF/fALFF, CBF/ReHo, and CBF/FCS ratios were found mainly distributed in the middle cerebral artery territory in MELAS patients. In addition, significantly increased NVC ratios were found in the acute stroke-like lesions in acute stage (P < 0.001), with a recovery trend in chronic stage. DATA CONCLUSIONS This study showed dynamic alterations in NVC in MELAS patients from acute to chronic stage, which may provide a novel insight for understanding the pathogenesis of MELAS. EVIDENCE LEVEL 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueling Liu
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chong Sun
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liqin Yang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiru Liu
- Luhang High School, Shanghai, China
| | - Daoying Geng
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxin Li
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Ritson M, Wheeler-Jones CPD, Stolp HB. Endothelial dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease: Is endothelial inflammation an overlooked druggable target? J Neuroimmunol 2024; 391:578363. [PMID: 38728929 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578363] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Neurological diseases with a neurodegenerative component have been associated with alterations in the cerebrovasculature. At the anatomical level, these are centred around changes in cerebral blood flow and vessel organisation. At the molecular level, there is extensive expression of cellular adhesion molecules and increased release of pro-inflammatory mediators. Together, these has been found to negatively impact blood-brain barrier integrity. Systemic inflammation has been found to accelerate and exacerbate endothelial dysfunction, neuroinflammation and degeneration. Here, we review the role of cerebrovasculature dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease and discuss the potential contribution of intermittent pro-inflammatory systemic disease in causing endothelial pathology, highlighting a possible mechanism that may allow broad-spectrum therapeutic targeting in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Ritson
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | | | - Helen B Stolp
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK.
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Kagialis A, Simos N, Manolitsi K, Vakis A, Simos P, Papadaki E. Functional connectivity-hemodynamic (un)coupling changes in chronic mild brain injury are associated with mental health and neurocognitive indices: a resting state fMRI study. Neuroradiology 2024; 66:985-998. [PMID: 38605104 PMCID: PMC11133187 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-024-03352-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine hemodynamic and functional connectivity alterations and their association with neurocognitive and mental health indices in patients with chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). METHODS Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) and neuropsychological assessment of 37 patients with chronic mTBI were performed. Intrinsic connectivity contrast (ICC) and time-shift analysis (TSA) of the rs-fMRI data allowed the assessment of regional hemodynamic and functional connectivity disturbances and their coupling (or uncoupling). Thirty-nine healthy age- and gender-matched participants were also examined. RESULTS Patients with chronic mTBI displayed hypoconnectivity in bilateral hippocampi and parahippocampal gyri and increased connectivity in parietal areas (right angular gyrus and left superior parietal lobule (SPL)). Slower perfusion (hemodynamic lag) in the left anterior hippocampus was associated with higher self-reported symptoms of depression (r = - 0.53, p = .0006) and anxiety (r = - 0.484, p = .002), while faster perfusion (hemodynamic lead) in the left SPL was associated with lower semantic fluency (r = - 0.474, p = .002). Finally, functional coupling (high connectivity and hemodynamic lead) in the right anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)) was associated with lower performance on attention and visuomotor coordination (r = - 0.50, p = .001), while dysfunctional coupling (low connectivity and hemodynamic lag) in the left ventral posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and right SPL was associated with lower scores on immediate passage memory (r = - 0.52, p = .001; r = - 0.53, p = .0006, respectively). Uncoupling in the right extrastriate visual cortex and posterior middle temporal gyrus was negatively associated with cognitive flexibility (r = - 0.50, p = .001). CONCLUSION Hemodynamic and functional connectivity differences, indicating neurovascular (un)coupling, may be linked to mental health and neurocognitive indices in patients with chronic mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Kagialis
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71003, Crete, Greece
| | - Nicholas Simos
- Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Katina Manolitsi
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Antonios Vakis
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Simos
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Efrosini Papadaki
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71003, Crete, Greece.
- Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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Kumar M, Sahni S, A V, Kumar D, Kushwah N, Goel D, Kapoor H, Srivastava AK, Faruq M. Molecular clues unveiling spinocerebellar ataxia type-12 pathogenesis. iScience 2024; 27:109768. [PMID: 38711441 PMCID: PMC11070597 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar Ataxia type-12 (SCA12) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by tandem CAG repeat expansion in the 5'-UTR/non-coding region of PPP2R2B. Molecular pathology of SCA12 has not been studied in the context of CAG repeats, and no appropriate models exist. We found in human SCA12-iPSC-derived neuronal lineage that expanded CAG in PPP2R2B transcript forms nuclear RNA foci and were found to sequester variety of proteins. Further, the ectopic expression of transcript containing varying length of CAG repeats exhibits non-canonical repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation in multiple frames in HEK293T cells, which was further validated in patient-derived neural stem cells using specific antibodies. mRNA sequencing of the SCA12 and control neurons have shown a network of crucial transcription factors affecting neural fate, in addition to alteration of various signaling pathways involved in neurodevelopment. Altogether, this study identifies the molecular signatures of SCA12 disorder using patient-derived neuronal cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR -IGIB), Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
- CSIR-HRDC Campus, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Division, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Shweta Sahni
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR -IGIB), Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Vivekanand A
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR -IGIB), Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
- CSIR-HRDC Campus, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Division, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Division of Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi 110007, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002, India
| | - Neetu Kushwah
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR -IGIB), Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Divya Goel
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Himanshi Kapoor
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR -IGIB), Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Achal K. Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Mohammed Faruq
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR -IGIB), Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
- CSIR-HRDC Campus, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Division, CSIR - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
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Ferreira J, Ferreira P, Azevedo E, Castro P. Assessment of Neurovascular Coupling by Spectral Analysis of Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity With Transcranial Doppler. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2024; 50:751-759. [PMID: 38418342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurovascular coupling (NVC) represents the increase in regional blood flow associated with neural activity. The aim here was to describe a new approach to non-invasive measurement of NVC by spectral analysis of the cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) with transcranial Doppler. METHODS In a sample of 20 healthy participants, we monitored systolic CBFV in the left posterior cerebral artery (PCA) during off (eyes closed) and on (flickering checkerboard) periods. The contralateral middle cerebral artery was simultaneously monitored as a control. Each participant was submitted to three experiments, each having five cycles, with increasing duration of the cycles, from 10 s (0.1 Hz) to 20 s (0.05 Hz) and lastly 40 s (0.025 Hz), half the time for on and for off periods, constituting a total of 6 min. The successive cycles were expected to cause oscillation in CBFV in a sinusoidal pattern that could be characterized by spectral analysis. We also measured the classic CBFV overshoot as the relative increase in percentage of systolic CBFV from baseline. The relationship and agreement between the two methods were analyzed by linear regression and Bland-Altman plots. In every participant, a clear peak of amplitude in the PCA CBFV spectrum was discernible at 0.1, 0.05 and 0.025 Hz of visual stimulation. RESULTS On average, this amplitude was 7.1 ± 2.3%, 10.9 ± 3.5% and 17.3 ± 6.5%, respectively. This response contrasted significantly with an absent peak in middle cerebral artery monitoring (p < 0.0001). The spectral amplitude and classic overshoot were highly correlated and linearly related (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION NVC can be quantified by the spectral amplitude of PCA CBFV at slower and higher frequencies of visual stimulation. This method represents an alternative to classic overshoot without the need for stimulus marking or synchronization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Ferreira
- UnIC@RISE, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Elsa Azevedo
- UnIC@RISE, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Castro
- UnIC@RISE, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal.
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Menyhárt Á, Bálint AR, Kozák P, Bari F, Farkas E. Nimodipine accelerates the restoration of functional hyperemia during spreading oligemia. J Neurochem 2024; 168:888-898. [PMID: 36810711 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Spreading depolarization (SD) is assumed to be the pathophysiological correlate of migraine aura, leading to spreading depression of activity and a long-lasting vasoconstriction known as spreading oligemia. Furthermore, cerebrovascular reactivity is reversibly impaired after SD. Here, we explored the progressive restoration of impaired neurovascular coupling to somatosensory activation during spreading oligemia. Also, we evaluated whether nimodipine treatment accelerated the recovery of impaired neurovascular coupling after SD. Male, 4-9-month-old C57BL/6 mice (n = 11) were anesthetized with isoflurane (1%-1.5%), and SD was triggered with KCl through a burr hole made at the caudal parietal bone. EEG and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were recorded minimally invasively with a silver ball electrode and transcranial laser-Doppler flowmetry, rostral to SD elicitation. The L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blocker nimodipine was administered i.p. (10 mg/kg). Whisker stimulation-related evoked potentials (EVPs) and functional hyperemia were assessed under isoflurane (0.1%)-medetomidine (0.1 mg/kg i.p.) anesthesia before, and repeatedly after SD, at 15-min intervals for 75 minutes. Nimodipine accelerated the recovery of CBF from spreading oligemia (time to full recovery, 52 ± 13 vs. 70 ± 8 min, nimodipine vs. control) and exhibited a tendency to shorten the duration of the SD-related EGG depression duration. The amplitudes of EVP and functional hyperemia were markedly reduced after SD, and progressively recovered over an hour post-SD. Nimodipine exerted no impact on EVP amplitude but consistently increased the absolute level of functional hyperemia from 20 min post-CSD (93 ± 11% vs. 66 ± 13%, nimodipine vs. control). A linear, positive correlation between EVP and functional hyperemia amplitude was skewed by nimodipine. In conclusion, nimodipine facilitated CBF restoration from spreading oligemia and the recovery of functional hyperemia post-SD, which were linked to a tendency of an accelerated return of spontaneous neural activity after SD. The use of nimodipine in migraine prophylaxis is suggested to be re-visited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ákos Menyhárt
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine-University of Szeged, Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism Research Group, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School and Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Armand Rafael Bálint
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School and Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Medical Physics and Informatics, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School and Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Kozák
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School and Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Bari
- Department of Medical Physics and Informatics, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School and Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Eszter Farkas
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine-University of Szeged, Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism Research Group, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School and Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Villa M, Wu J, Hansen S, Pahnke J. Emerging Role of ABC Transporters in Glia Cells in Health and Diseases of the Central Nervous System. Cells 2024; 13:740. [PMID: 38727275 PMCID: PMC11083179 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters play a crucial role for the efflux of a wide range of substrates across different cellular membranes. In the central nervous system (CNS), ABC transporters have recently gathered significant attention due to their pivotal involvement in brain physiology and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Glial cells are fundamental for normal CNS function and engage with several ABC transporters in different ways. Here, we specifically highlight ABC transporters involved in the maintenance of brain homeostasis and their implications in its metabolic regulation. We also show new aspects related to ABC transporter function found in less recognized diseases, such as Huntington's disease (HD) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), as a model for multiple sclerosis (MS). Understanding both their impact on the physiological regulation of the CNS and their roles in brain diseases holds promise for uncovering new therapeutic options. Further investigations and preclinical studies are warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between glial ABC transporters and physiological brain functions, potentially leading to effective therapeutic interventions also for rare CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Villa
- Translational Neurodegeneration Research and Neuropathology Lab, Department of Clinical Medicine (KlinMed), Medical Faculty, University of Oslo (UiO) and Section of Neuropathology Research, Department of Pathology (PAT), Clinics for Laboratory Medicine (KLM), Oslo University Hospital (OUS), Sognsvannsveien 20, NO-0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jingyun Wu
- Translational Neurodegeneration Research and Neuropathology Lab, Department of Clinical Medicine (KlinMed), Medical Faculty, University of Oslo (UiO) and Section of Neuropathology Research, Department of Pathology (PAT), Clinics for Laboratory Medicine (KLM), Oslo University Hospital (OUS), Sognsvannsveien 20, NO-0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefanie Hansen
- Translational Neurodegeneration Research and Neuropathology Lab, Department of Clinical Medicine (KlinMed), Medical Faculty, University of Oslo (UiO) and Section of Neuropathology Research, Department of Pathology (PAT), Clinics for Laboratory Medicine (KLM), Oslo University Hospital (OUS), Sognsvannsveien 20, NO-0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jens Pahnke
- Translational Neurodegeneration Research and Neuropathology Lab, Department of Clinical Medicine (KlinMed), Medical Faculty, University of Oslo (UiO) and Section of Neuropathology Research, Department of Pathology (PAT), Clinics for Laboratory Medicine (KLM), Oslo University Hospital (OUS), Sognsvannsveien 20, NO-0372 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine (INUM)/Lübeck Institute of Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck (UzL) and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia (LU), Jelgavas iela 3, LV-1004 Rīga, Latvia
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Georg S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University (TAU), Tel Aviv IL-6997801, Israel
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Zhang JM, Masvidal-Codina E, Nguyen D, Illa X, Dégardin J, Goulet R, Prats-Alfonso E, Matsoukis S, Guger C, Garrido JA, Picaud S, Guimerà-Brunet A, Wykes RC. Concurrent functional ultrasound imaging with graphene-based DC-coupled electrophysiology as a platform to study slow brain signals and cerebral blood flow under control and pathophysiological brain states. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2024; 9:544-554. [PMID: 38323517 DOI: 10.1039/d3nh00521f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Current methodology used to investigate how shifts in brain states associated with regional cerebral blood volume (CBV) change in deep brain areas, are limited by either the spatiotemporal resolution of the CBV techniques, and/or compatibility with electrophysiological recordings; particularly in relation to spontaneous brain activity and the study of individual events. Additionally, infraslow brain signals (<0.1 Hz), including spreading depolarisations, DC-shifts and infraslow oscillations (ISO), are poorly captured by traditional AC-coupled electrographic recordings; yet these very slow brain signals can profoundly change CBV. To gain an improved understanding of how infraslow brain signals couple to CBV we present a new method for concurrent CBV with wide bandwidth electrophysiological mapping using simultaneous functional ultrasound imaging (fUS) and graphene-based field effect transistor (gFET) DC-coupled electrophysiological acquisitions. To validate the feasibility of this methodology visually-evoked neurovascular coupling (NVC) responses were examined. gFET recordings are not affected by concurrent fUS imaging, and epidural placement of gFET arrays within the imaging window did not deteriorate fUS signal quality. To examine directly the impact of infra-slow potential shifts on CBV, cortical spreading depolarisations (CSDs) were induced. A biphasic pattern of decreased, followed by increased CBV, propagating throughout the ipsilateral cortex, and a delayed decrease in deeper subcortical brain regions was observed. In a model of acute seizures, CBV oscillations were observed prior to seizure initiation. Individual seizures occurred on the rising phase of both infraslow brain signal and CBV oscillations. When seizures co-occurred with CSDs, CBV responses were larger in amplitude, with delayed CBV decreases in subcortical structures. Overall, our data demonstrate that gFETs are highly compatible with fUS and allow concurrent examination of wide bandwidth electrophysiology and CBV. This graphene-enabled technological advance has the potential to improve our understanding of how infraslow brain signals relate to CBV changes in control and pathological brain states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Meng Zhang
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institute de la Vision, Paris F75012, France
| | - Eduard Masvidal-Codina
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Diep Nguyen
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institute de la Vision, Paris F75012, France
| | - Xavi Illa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain.
- Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona, (IMB-CNM), CSIC, Spain
| | - Julie Dégardin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institute de la Vision, Paris F75012, France
| | - Ruben Goulet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institute de la Vision, Paris F75012, France
| | - Elisabet Prats-Alfonso
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain.
- Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona, (IMB-CNM), CSIC, Spain
| | - Stratis Matsoukis
- G-Tec Medical Engineering GmbH, Austria
- Institute for Computational Perception, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Jose Antonio Garrido
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Serge Picaud
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institute de la Vision, Paris F75012, France
| | - Anton Guimerà-Brunet
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain.
- Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona, (IMB-CNM), CSIC, Spain
| | - Rob C Wykes
- University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
- Nanomedicine Lab, Division of Neuroscience, University of Manchester, UK
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Barros CDS, Coutinho A, Tengan CH. Arginine Supplementation in MELAS Syndrome: What Do We Know about the Mechanisms? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3629. [PMID: 38612442 PMCID: PMC11011289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
MELAS syndrome, characterized by mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes, represents a devastating mitochondrial disease, with the stroke-like episodes being its primary manifestation. Arginine supplementation has been used and recommended as a treatment for these acute attacks; however, insufficient evidence exists to support this treatment for MELAS. The mechanisms underlying the effect of arginine on MELAS pathophysiology remain unclear, although it is hypothesized that arginine could increase nitric oxide availability and, consequently, enhance blood supply to the brain. A more comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms is necessary to improve treatment strategies, such as dose and regimen adjustments; identify which patients could benefit the most; and establish potential markers for follow-up. This review aims to analyze the existing evidence concerning the mechanisms through which arginine supplementation impacts MELAS pathophysiology and provide the current scenario and perspectives for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Celia H. Tengan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil; (C.D.S.B.); (A.C.)
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10
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Feng L, Gao L. The role of neurovascular coupling dysfunction in cognitive decline of diabetes patients. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1375908. [PMID: 38576869 PMCID: PMC10991808 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1375908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurovascular coupling (NVC) is an important mechanism to ensure adequate blood supply to active neurons in the brain. NVC damage can lead to chronic impairment of neuronal function. Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar and is considered an important risk factor for cognitive impairment. In this review, we provide fMRI evidence of NVC damage in diabetic patients with cognitive decline. Combined with the exploration of the major mechanisms and signaling pathways of NVC, we discuss the effects of chronic hyperglycemia on the cellular structure of NVC signaling, including key receptors, ion channels, and intercellular connections. Studying these diabetes-related changes in cell structure will help us understand the underlying causes behind diabetes-induced NVC damage and early cognitive decline, ultimately helping to identify the most effective drug targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ling Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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11
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Kim YA, Mellen M, Kizil C, Santa-Maria I. Mechanisms linking cerebrovascular dysfunction and tauopathy: Adding a layer of epiregulatory complexity. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:879-895. [PMID: 37926507 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated misfolded tau proteins are found in many neurodegenerative tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tau pathology can impact cerebrovascular physiology and function through multiple mechanisms. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that alterations in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and function can result in synaptic abnormalities and neuronal damage. In the present review, we will summarize how tau proteostasis dysregulation contributes to vascular dysfunction and, conversely, we will examine the factors and pathways leading to tau pathological alterations triggered by cerebrovascular dysfunction. Finally, we will highlight the role epigenetic and epitranscriptomic factors play in regulating the integrity of the cerebrovascular system and the progression of tauopathy including a few observartions on potential therapeutic interventions. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue From Alzheimer's Disease to Vascular Dementia: Different Roads Leading to Cognitive Decline. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.6/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon A Kim
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marian Mellen
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Madrid, Spain
| | - Caghan Kizil
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ismael Santa-Maria
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Gabriel GC, Yagi H, Tan T, Bais AS, Glennon BJ, Stapleton MC, Huang L, Reynolds WT, Shaffer MG, Ganapathiraju M, Simon D, Panigrahy A, Wu YL, Lo CW. Mitotic Block and Epigenetic Repression Underlie Neurodevelopmental Defects and Neurobehavioral Deficits in Congenital Heart Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.05.565716. [PMID: 38464057 PMCID: PMC10925221 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.05.565716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Poor neurodevelopment is often observed with congenital heart disease (CHD), especially with mutations in chromatin modifiers. Here analysis of mice with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) arising from mutations in Sin3A associated chromatin modifier Sap130 , and adhesion protein Pcdha9, revealed neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral deficits reminiscent of those in HLHS patients. Microcephaly was associated with impaired cortical neurogenesis, mitotic block, and increased apoptosis. Transcriptional profiling indicated dysregulated neurogenesis by REST, altered CREB signaling regulating memory and synaptic plasticity, and impaired neurovascular coupling modulating cerebral blood flow. Many neurodevelopmental/neurobehavioral disease pathways were recovered, including autism and cognitive impairment. These same pathways emerged from genome-wide DNA methylation and Sap130 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analyses, suggesting epigenetic perturbation. Mice with Pcdha9 mutation or forebrain-specific Sap130 deletion without CHD showed learning/memory deficits and autism-like behavior. These novel findings provide mechanistic insights indicating the adverse neurodevelopment in HLHS may involve cell autonomous/nonautonomous defects and epigenetic dysregulation and suggest new avenues for therapy.
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13
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Shalabi S, Belayachi A, Larrivée B. Involvement of neuronal factors in tumor angiogenesis and the shaping of the cancer microenvironment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1284629. [PMID: 38375479 PMCID: PMC10875004 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1284629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that nerves within the tumor microenvironment play a crucial role in regulating angiogenesis. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides released by nerves can interact with nearby blood vessels and tumor cells, influencing their behavior and modulating the angiogenic response. Moreover, nerve-derived signals may activate signaling pathways that enhance the production of pro-angiogenic factors within the tumor microenvironment, further supporting blood vessel growth around tumors. The intricate network of communication between neural constituents and the vascular system accentuates the potential of therapeutically targeting neural-mediated pathways as an innovative strategy to modulate tumor angiogenesis and, consequently, neoplastic proliferation. Hereby, we review studies that evaluate the precise molecular interplay and the potential clinical ramifications of manipulating neural elements for the purpose of anti-angiogenic therapeutics within the scope of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif Shalabi
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Boulevard de l’Assomption, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ali Belayachi
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Boulevard de l’Assomption, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Bruno Larrivée
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Boulevard de l’Assomption, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Ophthalmology, Université de Montréal, boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, Canada
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14
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Djurich S, Secomb TW. Analysis of potassium ion diffusion from neurons to capillaries: Effects of astrocyte endfeet geometry. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:323-332. [PMID: 38123136 PMCID: PMC10872621 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Neurovascular coupling (NVC) refers to a local increase in cerebral blood flow in response to increased neuronal activity. Mechanisms of communication between neurons and blood vessels remain unclear. Astrocyte endfeet almost completely cover cerebral capillaries, suggesting that astrocytes play a role in NVC by releasing vasoactive substances near capillaries. An alternative hypothesis is that direct diffusion through the extracellular space of potassium ions (K+ ) released by neurons contributes to NVC. Here, the goal is to determine whether astrocyte endfeet present a barrier to K+ diffusion from neurons to capillaries. Two simplified 2D geometries of extracellular space, clefts between endfeet, and perivascular space are used: (i) a source 1 μm from a capillary; (ii) a neuron 15 μm from a capillary. K+ release is modelled as a step increase in [K+ ] at the outer boundary of the extracellular space. The time-dependent diffusion equation is solved numerically. In the first geometry, perivascular [K+ ] approaches its final value within 0.05 s. Decreasing endfeet cleft width or increasing perivascular space width slows the rise in [K+ ]. In the second geometry, the increase in perivascular [K+ ] occurs within 0.5 s and is insensitive to changes in cleft width or perivascular space width. Predicted levels of perivascular [K+ ] are sufficient to cause vasodilation, and the rise time is within the time for flow increase in NVC. These results suggest that direct diffusion of K+ through the extracellular space is a possible NVC signalling mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Djurich
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Timothy W Secomb
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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15
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Czyżewski W, Mazurek M, Sakwa L, Szymoniuk M, Pham J, Pasierb B, Litak J, Czyżewska E, Turek M, Piotrowski B, Torres K, Rola R. Astroglial Cells: Emerging Therapeutic Targets in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury. Cells 2024; 13:148. [PMID: 38247839 PMCID: PMC10813911 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020148] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) represents a significant health concern, necessitating advanced therapeutic interventions. This detailed review explores the critical roles of astrocytes, key cellular constituents of the central nervous system (CNS), in both the pathophysiology and possible rehabilitation of TBI. Following injury, astrocytes exhibit reactive transformations, differentiating into pro-inflammatory (A1) and neuroprotective (A2) phenotypes. This paper elucidates the interactions of astrocytes with neurons, their role in neuroinflammation, and the potential for their therapeutic exploitation. Emphasized strategies encompass the utilization of endocannabinoid and calcium signaling pathways, hormone-based treatments like 17β-estradiol, biological therapies employing anti-HBGB1 monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy targeting Connexin 43, and the innovative technique of astrocyte transplantation as a means to repair damaged neural tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Czyżewski
- Department of Didactics and Medical Simulation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Marek Mazurek
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Leon Sakwa
- Student Scientific Society, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Radom, 26-600 Radom, Poland;
| | - Michał Szymoniuk
- Student Scientific Association, Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jennifer Pham
- Student Scientific Society, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (J.P.); (M.T.)
| | - Barbara Pasierb
- Department of Dermatology, Radom Specialist Hospital, 26-600 Radom, Poland;
| | - Jakub Litak
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Ewa Czyżewska
- Department of Otolaryngology, Mazovian Specialist Hospital, 26-617 Radom, Poland;
| | - Michał Turek
- Student Scientific Society, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (J.P.); (M.T.)
| | - Bartłomiej Piotrowski
- Institute of Automatic Control and Robotics, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Kamil Torres
- Department of Didactics and Medical Simulation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Radosław Rola
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
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16
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Chen K, Forrest A, Gonzalez Burgos G, Kozai TDY. Neuronal functional connectivity is impaired in a layer dependent manner near the chronically implanted microelectrodes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.06.565852. [PMID: 37986883 PMCID: PMC10659303 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.06.565852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Objective This study aims to reveal longitudinal changes in functional network connectivity within and across different brain structures near the chronically implanted microelectrode. While it is well established that the foreign-body response (FBR) contributes to the gradual decline of the signals recorded from brain implants over time, how does the FBR impact affect the functional stability of neural circuits near implanted Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) remains unknown. This research aims to illuminate how the chronic FBR can alter local neural circuit function and the implications for BCI decoders. Approach This study utilized multisite Michigan-style microelectrodes that span all cortical layers and the hippocampal CA1 region to collect spontaneous and visually-evoked electrophysiological activity. Alterations in neuronal activity near the microelectrode were tested assessing cross-frequency synchronization of LFP and spike entrainment to LFP oscillatory activity throughout 16 weeks after microelectrode implantation. Main Results The study found that cortical layer 4, the input-receiving layer, maintained activity over the implantation time. However, layers 2/3 rapidly experienced severe impairment, leading to a loss of proper intralaminar connectivity in the downstream output layers 5/6. Furthermore, the impairment of interlaminar connectivity near the microelectrode was unidirectional, showing decreased connectivity from Layers 2/3 to Layers 5/6 but not the reverse direction. In the hippocampus, CA1 neurons gradually became unable to properly entrain to the surrounding LFP oscillations. Significance This study provides a detailed characterization of network connectivity dysfunction over long-term microelectrode implantation periods. This new knowledge could contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at improving the health of the tissue surrounding brain implants and potentially inform engineering of adaptive decoders as the FBR progresses. Our study's understanding of the dynamic changes in the functional network over time opens the door to developing interventions for improving the long-term stability and performance of intracortical microelectrodes.
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17
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James S, Sanggaard S, Akif A, Mishra SK, Sanganahalli BG, Blumenfeld H, Verhagen JV, Hyder F, Herman P. Spatiotemporal features of neurovascular (un)coupling with stimulus-induced activity and hypercapnia challenge in cerebral cortex and olfactory bulb. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2023; 43:1891-1904. [PMID: 37340791 PMCID: PMC10676132 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231183887] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is traditionally considered as metabolic waste, yet its regulation is critical for brain function. It is well accepted that hypercapnia initiates vasodilation, but its effect on neuronal activity is less clear. Distinguishing how stimulus- and CO2-induced vasodilatory responses are (dis)associated with neuronal activity has profound clinical and experimental relevance. We used an optical method in mice to simultaneously image fluorescent calcium (Ca2+) transients from neurons and reflectometric hemodynamic signals during brief sensory stimuli (i.e., hindpaw, odor) and CO2 exposure (i.e., 5%). Stimuli-induced neuronal and hemodynamic responses swiftly increased within locally activated regions exhibiting robust neurovascular coupling. However, hypercapnia produced slower global vasodilation which was temporally uncoupled to neuronal deactivation. With trends consistent across cerebral cortex and olfactory bulb as well as data from GCaMP6f/jRGECO1a mice (i.e., green/red Ca2+ fluorescence), these results unequivocally reveal that stimuli and CO2 generate comparable vasodilatory responses but contrasting neuronal responses. In summary, observations of stimuli-induced regional neurovascular coupling and CO2-induced global neurovascular uncoupling call for careful appraisal when using CO2 in gas mixtures to affect vascular tone and/or neuronal excitability, because CO2 is both a potent vasomodulator and a neuromodulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun James
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Simon Sanggaard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adil Akif
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sandeep K Mishra
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Hal Blumenfeld
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Justus V Verhagen
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- John B. Pierce Laboratory, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fahmeed Hyder
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Peter Herman
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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18
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Ahn JJ, Islam Y, Clarkson-Paredes C, Karl MT, Miller RH. B cell depletion modulates glial responses and enhances blood vessel integrity in a model of multiple sclerosis. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 187:106290. [PMID: 37709209 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by a compromised blood-brain barrier (BBB) resulting in central nervous system (CNS) entry of peripheral lymphocytes, including T cells and B cells. While T cells have largely been considered the main contributors to neuroinflammation in MS, the success of B cell depletion therapies suggests an important role for B cells in MS pathology. Glial cells in the CNS are essential components in both disease progression and recovery, raising the possibility that they represent targets for B cell functions. Here, we examine astrocyte and microglia responses to B cell depleting treatments in an animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). B cell depleted EAE animals had markedly reduced disease severity and myelin damage accompanied by reduced microglia and astrocyte reactivity 20 days after symptom onset. To identify potential initial mechanisms mediating functional changes following B cell depletion, astrocyte and microglia transcriptomes were analyzed 3 days following B cell depletion. In control EAE animals, transcriptomic analysis revealed astrocytic inflammatory pathways were activated and microglial influence on neuronal function were inhibited. Following B cell depletion, initial functional recovery was associated with an activation of astrocytic pathways linked with restoration of neurovascular integrity and of microglial pathways associated with neuronal function. These studies reveal an important role for B cell depletion in influencing glial function and CNS vasculature in an animal model of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie J Ahn
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ross Hall, 2300 I St NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States of America
| | - Yusra Islam
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ross Hall, 2300 I St NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States of America
| | - Cheryl Clarkson-Paredes
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nanofabrication and Imaging Center, Science and Engineering Hall, 800 22(nd) St NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States of America
| | - Molly T Karl
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ross Hall, 2300 I St NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States of America
| | - Robert H Miller
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ross Hall, 2300 I St NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States of America.
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19
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Martinez-Lozada Z, Todd FW, Schober AL, Krizman E, Robinson MB, Murai KK. Cooperative and competitive regulation of the astrocytic transcriptome by neurons and endothelial cells: Impact on astrocyte maturation. J Neurochem 2023; 167:52-75. [PMID: 37525469 PMCID: PMC10543513 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes have essential roles in central nervous system (CNS) health and disease. During development, immature astrocytes show complex interactions with neurons, endothelial cells, and other glial cell types. Our work and that of others have shown that these interactions are important for astrocytic maturation. However, whether and how these cells work together to control this process remains poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that cooperative interactions of astrocytes with neurons and endothelial cells promote astrocytic maturation. Astrocytes were cultured alone, with neurons, endothelial cells, or a combination of both. This was followed by astrocyte sorting, RNA sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis to detect transcriptional changes. Across culture configurations, 7302 genes were differentially expressed by 4 or more fold and organized into 8 groups that demonstrate cooperative and antagonist effects of neurons and endothelia on astrocytes. We also discovered that neurons and endothelial cells caused splicing of 200 and 781 mRNAs, respectively. Changes in gene expression were validated using quantitative PCR, western blot (WB), and immunofluorescence analysis. We found that the transcriptomic data from the three-culture configurations correlated with protein expression of three representative targets (FAM107A, GAT3, and GLT1) in vivo. Alternative splicing results also correlated with cortical tissue isoform representation of a target (Fibronectin 1) at different developmental stages. By comparing our results to published transcriptomes of immature and mature astrocytes, we found that neurons or endothelia shift the astrocytic transcriptome toward a mature state and that the presence of both cell types has a greater effect on maturation than either cell alone. These results increase our understanding of cellular interactions/pathways that contribute to astrocytic maturation. They also provide insight into how alterations to neurons and/or endothelial cells may alter astrocytes with implications for astrocytic changes in CNS disorders and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zila Martinez-Lozada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19104-4318
| | - Farmer W. Todd
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1A4
| | - Alexandra L. Schober
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1A4
| | - Elizabeth Krizman
- Departments of Pediatrics and Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19104-4318
| | - Michael B. Robinson
- Departments of Pediatrics and Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19104-4318
| | - Keith K. Murai
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1A4
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20
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Mitchell JW, Gillette MU. Development of circadian neurovascular function and its implications. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1196606. [PMID: 37732312 PMCID: PMC10507717 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1196606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurovascular system forms the interface between the tissue of the central nervous system (CNS) and circulating blood. It plays a critical role in regulating movement of ions, small molecules, and cellular regulators into and out of brain tissue and in sustaining brain health. The neurovascular unit (NVU), the cells that form the structural and functional link between cells of the brain and the vasculature, maintains the blood-brain interface (BBI), controls cerebral blood flow, and surveils for injury. The neurovascular system is dynamic; it undergoes tight regulation of biochemical and cellular interactions to balance and support brain function. Development of an intrinsic circadian clock enables the NVU to anticipate rhythmic changes in brain activity and body physiology that occur over the day-night cycle. The development of circadian neurovascular function involves multiple cell types. We address the functional aspects of the circadian clock in the components of the NVU and their effects in regulating neurovascular physiology, including BBI permeability, cerebral blood flow, and inflammation. Disrupting the circadian clock impairs a number of physiological processes associated with the NVU, many of which are correlated with an increased risk of dysfunction and disease. Consequently, understanding the cell biology and physiology of the NVU is critical to diminishing consequences of impaired neurovascular function, including cerebral bleeding and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer W. Mitchell
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Martha U. Gillette
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Carle-Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
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21
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Abstract
Astrocyte endfeet enwrap the entire vascular tree within the central nervous system, where they perform important functions in regulating the blood-brain barrier (BBB), cerebral blood flow, nutrient uptake, and waste clearance. Accordingly, astrocyte endfeet contain specialized organelles and proteins, including local protein translation machinery and highly organized scaffold proteins, which anchor channels, transporters, receptors, and enzymes critical for astrocyte-vascular interactions. Many neurological diseases are characterized by the loss of polarization of specific endfoot proteins, vascular dysregulation, BBB disruption, altered waste clearance, or, in extreme cases, loss of endfoot coverage. A role for astrocyte endfeet has been demonstrated or postulated in many of these conditions. This review provides an overview of the development, composition, function, and pathological changes of astrocyte endfeet and highlights the gaps in our knowledge that future research should address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Díaz-Castro
- UK Dementia Research Institute and Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK;
| | - Stefanie Robel
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA;
| | - Anusha Mishra
- Department of Neurology Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research and Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA;
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22
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Patani R, Hardingham GE, Liddelow SA. Functional roles of reactive astrocytes in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:395-409. [PMID: 37308616 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00822-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in uncovering the mechanisms that underlie neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disease, therapies that prevent neuronal loss remain elusive. Targeting of disease-defining markers in conditions such as Alzheimer disease (amyloid-β and tau) or Parkinson disease (α-synuclein) has been met with limited success, suggesting that these proteins do not act in isolation but form part of a pathological network. This network could involve phenotypic alteration of multiple cell types in the CNS, including astrocytes, which have a major neurosupportive, homeostatic role in the healthy CNS but adopt reactive states under acute or chronic adverse conditions. Transcriptomic studies in human patients and disease models have revealed the co-existence of many putative reactive sub-states of astrocytes. Inter-disease and even intra-disease heterogeneity of reactive astrocytic sub-states are well established, but the extent to which specific sub-states are shared across different diseases is unclear. In this Review, we highlight how single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequencing and other 'omics' technologies can enable the functional characterization of defined reactive astrocyte states in various pathological scenarios. We provide an integrated perspective, advocating cross-modal validation of key findings to define functionally important sub-states of astrocytes and their triggers as tractable therapeutic targets with cross-disease relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rickie Patani
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, Human Stem Cells and Neurodegeneration Laboratory, London, UK
| | - Giles E Hardingham
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Shane A Liddelow
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Parekh Center for Interdisciplinary Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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23
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Pian Q, Alfadhel M, Tang J, Lee GV, Li B, Fu B, Ayata Y, Yaseen MA, Boas DA, Secomb TW, Sakadzic S. Cortical microvascular blood flow velocity mapping by combining dynamic light scattering optical coherence tomography and two-photon microscopy. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2023; 28:076003. [PMID: 37484973 PMCID: PMC10362155 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.28.7.076003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Significance The accurate large-scale mapping of cerebral microvascular blood flow velocity is crucial for a better understanding of cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation. Although optical imaging techniques enable both high-resolution microvascular angiography and fast absolute CBF velocity measurements in the mouse cortex, they usually require different imaging techniques with independent system configurations to maximize their performances. Consequently, it is still a challenge to accurately combine functional and morphological measurements to co-register CBF speed distribution from hundreds of microvessels with high-resolution microvascular angiograms. Aim We propose a data acquisition and processing framework to co-register a large set of microvascular blood flow velocity measurements from dynamic light scattering optical coherence tomography (DLS-OCT) with the corresponding microvascular angiogram obtained using two-photon microscopy (2PM). Approach We used DLS-OCT to first rapidly acquire a large set of microvascular velocities through a sealed cranial window in mice and then to acquire high-resolution microvascular angiograms using 2PM. The acquired data were processed in three steps: (i) 2PM angiogram coregistration with the DLS-OCT angiogram, (ii) 2PM angiogram segmentation and graphing, and (iii) mapping of the CBF velocities to the graph representation of the 2PM angiogram. Results We implemented the developed framework on the three datasets acquired from the mice cortices to facilitate the coregistration of the large sets of DLS-OCT flow velocity measurements with 2PM angiograms. We retrieved the distributions of red blood cell velocities in arterioles, venules, and capillaries as a function of the branching order from precapillary arterioles and postcapillary venules from more than 1000 microvascular segments. Conclusions The proposed framework may serve as a useful tool for quantitative analysis of large microvascular datasets obtained by OCT and 2PM in studies involving normal brain functioning, progression of various diseases, and numerical modeling of the oxygen advection and diffusion in the realistic microvascular networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Pian
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Mohammed Alfadhel
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
- Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jianbo Tang
- Southern University of Science and Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen, China
| | - Grace V. Lee
- University of Arizona, Program in Applied Mathematics, Tucson, Arizona, United States
| | - Baoqiang Li
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute; Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen–Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Buyin Fu
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Yagmur Ayata
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Mohammad Abbas Yaseen
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
- Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - David A. Boas
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Timothy W. Secomb
- University of Arizona, Program in Applied Mathematics, Tucson, Arizona, United States
- University of Arizona, Department of Mathematics, Tucson, Arizona, United States
- University of Arizona, Department of Physiology, Tucson, Arizona, United States
| | - Sava Sakadzic
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
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24
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Li T, Li D, Wei Q, Shi M, Xiang J, Gao R, Chen C, Xu ZX. Dissecting the neurovascular unit in physiology and Alzheimer's disease: Functions, imaging tools and genetic mouse models. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 181:106114. [PMID: 37023830 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurovascular unit (NVU) plays an essential role in regulating neurovascular coupling, which refers to the communication between neurons, glia, and vascular cells to control the supply of oxygen and nutrients in response to neural activity. Cellular elements of the NVU coordinate to establish an anatomical barrier to separate the central nervous system from the milieu of the periphery system, restricting the free movement of substances from the blood to the brain parenchyma and maintaining central nervous system homeostasis. In Alzheimer's disease, amyloid-β deposition impairs the normal functions of NVU cellular elements, thus accelerating the disease progression. Here, we aim to describe the current knowledge of the NVU cellular elements, including endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, and microglia, in regulating the blood-brain barrier integrity and functions in physiology as well as alterations encountered in Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, the NVU functions as a whole, therefore specific labeling and targeting NVU components in vivo enable us to understand the mechanism mediating cellular communication. We review approaches including commonly used fluorescent dyes, genetic mouse models, and adeno-associated virus vectors for imaging and targeting NVU cellular elements in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
| | - Dianyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyuan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minghong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiakun Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiwei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhi-Xiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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25
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Hayden MR. Overview and New Insights into the Metabolic Syndrome: Risk Factors and Emerging Variables in the Development of Type 2 Diabetes and Cerebrocardiovascular Disease. Medicina (B Aires) 2023; 59:medicina59030561. [PMID: 36984562 PMCID: PMC10059871 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59030561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is considered a metabolic disorder that has been steadily increasing globally and seems to parallel the increasing prevalence of obesity. It consists of a cluster of risk factors which traditionally includes obesity and hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. These four core risk factors are associated with insulin resistance (IR) and, importantly, the MetS is known to increase the risk for developing cerebrocardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The MetS had its early origins in IR and syndrome X. It has undergone numerous name changes, with additional risk factors and variables being added over the years; however, it has remained as the MetS worldwide for the past three decades. This overview continues to add novel insights to the MetS and suggests that leptin resistance with hyperleptinemia, aberrant mitochondrial stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS), impaired folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism with hyperhomocysteinemia, vascular stiffening, microalbuminuria, and visceral adipose tissues extracellular vesicle exosomes be added to the list of associated variables. Notably, the role of a dysfunctional and activated endothelium and deficient nitric oxide bioavailability along with a dysfunctional and attenuated endothelial glycocalyx, vascular inflammation, systemic metainflammation, and the important role of ROS and reactive species interactome are discussed. With new insights and knowledge regarding the MetS comes the possibility of new findings through further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin R Hayden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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26
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Sompol P, Gollihue JL, Weiss BE, Lin RL, Case SL, Kraner SD, Weekman EM, Gant JC, Rogers CB, Niedowicz DM, Sudduth TL, Powell DK, Lin AL, Nelson PT, Thibault O, Wilcock DM, Norris CM. Targeting Astrocyte Signaling Alleviates Cerebrovascular and Synaptic Function Deficits in a Diet-Based Mouse Model of Small Cerebral Vessel Disease. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1797-1813. [PMID: 36746627 PMCID: PMC10010459 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1333-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the indispensable role that astrocytes play in the neurovascular unit, few studies have investigated the functional impact of astrocyte signaling in cognitive decline and dementia related to vascular pathology. Diet-mediated induction of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) recapitulates numerous features of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Here, we used astrocyte targeting approaches to evaluate astrocyte Ca2+ dysregulation and the impact of aberrant astrocyte signaling on cerebrovascular dysfunction and synapse impairment in male and female HHcy diet mice. Two-photon imaging conducted in fully awake mice revealed activity-dependent Ca2+ dysregulation in barrel cortex astrocytes under HHcy. Stimulation of contralateral whiskers elicited larger Ca2+ transients in individual astrocytes of HHcy diet mice compared with control diet mice. However, evoked Ca2+ signaling across astrocyte networks was impaired in HHcy mice. HHcy also was associated with increased activation of the Ca2+/calcineurin-dependent transcription factor NFAT4, which has been linked previously to the reactive astrocyte phenotype and synapse dysfunction in amyloid and brain injury models. Targeting the NFAT inhibitor VIVIT to astrocytes, using adeno-associated virus vectors, led to reduced GFAP promoter activity in HHcy diet mice and improved functional hyperemia in arterioles and capillaries. VIVIT expression in astrocytes also preserved CA1 synaptic function and improved spontaneous alternation performance on the Y maze. Together, the results demonstrate that aberrant astrocyte signaling can impair the major functional properties of the neurovascular unit (i.e., cerebral vessel regulation and synaptic regulation) and may therefore represent a promising drug target for treating VCID and possibly Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The impact of reactive astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is poorly understood. Here, we evaluated Ca2+ responses and signaling in barrel cortex astrocytes of mice fed with a B-vitamin deficient diet that induces hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), cerebral vessel disease, and cognitive decline. Multiphoton imaging in awake mice with HHcy revealed augmented Ca2+ responses in individual astrocytes, but impaired signaling across astrocyte networks. Stimulation-evoked arteriole dilation and elevated red blood cell velocity in capillaries were also impaired in cortex of awake HHcy mice. Astrocyte-specific inhibition of the Ca2+-dependent transcription factor, NFAT, normalized cerebrovascular function in HHcy mice, improved synaptic properties in brain slices, and stabilized cognition. Results suggest that astrocytes are a mechanism and possible therapeutic target for vascular-related dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | - Blaine E Weiss
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Ruei-Lung Lin
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Sami L Case
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | | | - John C Gant
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | | | | | | | - Ai-Ling Lin
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Peter T Nelson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Pathology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky 40536
| | - Olivier Thibault
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
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27
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Chierzi S, Kacerovsky JB, Fok AHK, Lahaie S, Shibi Rosen A, Farmer WT, Murai KK. Astrocytes Transplanted during Early Postnatal Development Integrate, Mature, and Survive Long Term in Mouse Cortex. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1509-1529. [PMID: 36669885 PMCID: PMC10008063 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0544-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have complex structural, molecular, and physiological properties and form specialized microenvironments that support circuit-specific functions in the CNS. To better understand how astrocytes acquire their unique features, we transplanted immature mouse cortical astrocytes into the developing cortex of male and female mice and assessed their integration, maturation, and survival. Within days, transplanted astrocytes developed morphologies and acquired territories and tiling behavior typical of cortical astrocytes. At 35-47 d post-transplantation, astrocytes appeared morphologically mature and expressed levels of EAAT2/GLT1 similar to nontransplanted astrocytes. Transplanted astrocytes also supported excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) presynaptic terminals within their territories, and displayed normal Ca2+ events. Transplanted astrocytes showed initially reduced expression of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) at endfeet and elevated expression of EAAT1/GLAST, with both proteins showing normalized expression by 110 d and one year post-transplantation, respectively. To understand how specific brain regions support astrocytic integration and maturation, we transplanted cortical astrocytes into the developing cerebellum. Cortical astrocytes interlaced with Bergmann glia (BG) in the cerebellar molecular layer to establish discrete territories. However, transplanted astrocytes retained many cortical astrocytic features including higher levels of EAAT2/GLT1, lower levels of EAAT1/GLAST, and the absence of expression of the AMPAR subunit GluA1. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that immature cortical astrocytes integrate, mature, and survive (more than one year) following transplantation and retain cortical astrocytic properties. Astrocytic transplantation can be useful for investigating cell-autonomous (intrinsic) and non-cell-autonomous (environmental) mechanisms contributing to astrocytic development/diversity, and for determining the optimal timing for transplanting astrocytes for cellular delivery or replacement in regenerative medicine.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The mechanisms that enable astrocytes to acquire diverse molecular and structural properties remain to be better understood. In this study, we systematically analyzed the properties of cortical astrocytes following their transplantation to the early postnatal brain. We found that immature cortical astrocytes transplanted into cerebral cortex during early postnatal mouse development integrate and establish normal astrocytic properties, and show long-term survival in vivo (more than one year). In contrast, transplanted cortical astrocytes display reduced or altered ability to integrate into the more mature cerebral cortex or developing cerebellum, respectively. This study demonstrates the developmental potential of transplanted cortical astrocytes and provides an approach to tease apart cell-autonomous (intrinsic) and non-cell-autonomous (environmental) mechanisms that determine the structural, molecular, and physiological phenotype of astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Chierzi
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - J Benjamin Kacerovsky
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Albert H K Fok
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Sylvie Lahaie
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Arielle Shibi Rosen
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - W Todd Farmer
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Keith K Murai
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
- Quantitative Life Sciences Graduate Program, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2A7, Canada
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28
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Burma JS, Rattana S, Johnson NE, Smirl JD. Do mean values tell the full story? Cardiac cycle and biological sex comparisons in temporally derived neurovascular coupling metrics. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 134:426-443. [PMID: 36603050 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00170.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous reports have noted cerebrovascular regulation differs across the cardiac cycle, with greater regulation occurring within systole. However, this methodological notion has not been meticulously scrutinized during temporally deduced neurovascular coupling (NVC) metrics with additional respect to biological sex. Analyses of 111 healthy individuals (40 females/71 males) were performed where participants engaged in the "Where's Waldo?" paradigm. All NVC parameters were quantified in the posterior and middle cerebral arteries at 310 unique timepoints. Several individuals completed repeat testing which enabled for between-day (3 timepoints) and within-day (7 timepoints) reliability comparisons in 17 and 11 individuals, respectively. One-way analysis of variance compared NVC metrics between diastole, mean, and systole values, as well as differences between biological sexes. Greater absolute cerebral blood velocity (CBv; baseline and peak) and total activation (area under the curve) were noted within systole for both posterior cerebral artery (PCA; P < 0.001) and middle cerebral artery (MCA; P < 0.001) values; however, the relative percent increase in CBv was greater within diastole (P < 0.001). Females had an elevated diastolic and mean CBv and a greater diastolic cerebrovascular conductance (P < 0.050). No sex differences were present for systolic CBv measures and within parameters quantifying the NVC response (area under the curve/relative CBv increase) across the cardiac cycle (P > 0.072). Future investigations seeking to differentiate cerebral regulatory mechanisms between clinical populations may benefit by performing their analyses across the cardiac cycle, as certain pathogenesis may affect one aspect of the cardiac cycle independently. Minimal differences were noted between females and males for metrics characterizing the NVC response across the cardiac cycle.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Neurovascular coupling (NVC) studies commonly assess the mean cerebral hemodynamic response with little consideration for diastole, systole, and biological sex. Greater total activation expressed as the area under the curve was seen within systole compared with mean and diastole. Resting cerebral blood velocity sex differences were more prevalent during diastole when the cerebrovasculature was pressure-passive. Future studies should assess the NVC response across the cardiac cycle as it may help delineate the underlying pathophysiology of various clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel S Burma
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Cerebrovascular Concussion Lab, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Faculty of Kinesiology, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Selina Rattana
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Cerebrovascular Concussion Lab, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nathan E Johnson
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Cerebrovascular Concussion Lab, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan D Smirl
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Cerebrovascular Concussion Lab, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Faculty of Kinesiology, Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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29
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Inocencio IM, Kaur N, Tran NT, Wong FY. Cerebral haemodynamic response to somatosensory stimulation in preterm lambs is enhanced following sildenafil and inhaled nitric oxide administration. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1101647. [PMID: 36760535 PMCID: PMC9905131 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1101647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurovascular coupling (NVC) leads to an increase in local cerebral blood flow and oxygenation in response to increased neural activity and metabolic demand. Impaired or immature NVC reported in the preterm brain, potentially reduces cerebral oxygenation following increased neural activity, predisposing to cerebral tissue hypoxia. Endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is a potent vasodilator and a major mediator of NVC and the cerebral haemodynamic response. NO modulators, such as inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) and sildenafil, induce vasodilation and are used clinically to treat pulmonary hypertension in preterm neonates. However, their impact on NVC in the preterm brain are unknown. We aimed to characterise the cerebral functional haemodynamic response in the preterm brain exposed to NO modulators. We hypothesized that iNO and sildenafil in clinical dosages would increase the baseline cerebral perfusion and the cerebral haemodynamic response to neural activation. Methods: Preterm lambs (126-7 days' gestation) were delivered and mechanically ventilated. The cerebral functional haemodynamic response was measured using near infrared spectroscopy as changes in cerebral oxy- and deoxyhaemoglobin (ΔoxyHb, ΔdeoxyHb), following left median nerve stimulations of 1.8, 4.8, and 7.8 s durations in control preterm lambs (n = 11), and following 4.8 and 7.8 s stimulations in preterm lambs receiving either sildenafil citrate (n = 6, 1.33 mcg/kg/hr) or iNO (n = 8, 20 ppm). Results: Following 1.8, 4.8, and 7.8 s stimulations, ∆oxyHb in the contralateral cortex increased (positive functional response) in 7/11 (64%), 7/11 (64%), and 4/11 (36%) control lambs respectively (p < 0.05). Remaining lambs showed decreased ΔoxyHb (negative functional response). Following 4.8 s stimulations, more lambs receiving sildenafil or iNO (83% and 100% respectively) showed positive functional response compared to the controls (p < 0.05). No significant difference between the three groups was observed at 7.8 s stimulations. Conclusion: In the preterm brain, prolonged somatosensory stimulations increased the incidence of negative functional responses with decreased cerebral oxygenation, suggesting that cerebral oxygen delivery may not match the oxygen demand. Sildenafil and iNO increased the incidence of positive functional responses, potentially enhancing NVC, and cerebral oxygenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishmael Miguel Inocencio
- The Ritchie Centre, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Navneet Kaur
- The Ritchie Centre, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nhi T. Tran
- The Ritchie Centre, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Flora Y. Wong
- The Ritchie Centre, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,*Correspondence: Flora Y. Wong,
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30
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Hu J, Ran H, Chen G, He Y, Li Q, Liu J, Li F, Liu H, Zhang T. Altered neurovascular coupling in children with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 29:609-618. [PMID: 36480481 PMCID: PMC9873522 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Alterations in neuronal activity and cerebral hemodynamics have been reported in idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) patients, possibly resulting in neurovascular decoupling; however, no neuroimaging evidence confirmed this disruption. This study aimed to investigate the possible presence of neurovascular decoupling and its clinical implications in childhood IGE using resting-state fMRI and arterial spin labeling imaging. METHODS IGE patients and healthy participants underwent resting-state fMRI and arterial spin labeling imaging to calculate degree centrality (DC) and cerebral blood flow (CBF), respectively. Across-voxel CBF-DC correlations were analyzed to evaluate the neurovascular coupling within the whole gray matter, and the regional coupling of brain region was assessed with the CBF/DC ratio. RESULTS The study included 26 children with IGE and 35 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs). Compared with the HCs, the IGE group presented lower across-voxel CBF-DC correlations, higher CBF/DC ratio in the right posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus, middle frontal gyrus, and medial frontal gyrus (MFG), and lower ratio in the left inferior frontal gyrus. The increased CBF/DC ratio in the right MFG was correlated with lower performance intelligence quotient scores in the IGE group. CONCLUSION Children with IGE present altered neurovascular coupling, associated with lower performance intelligence quotient scores. The study shed a new insight into the pathophysiology of epilepsy and provided potential imaging biomarkers of cognitive performances in children with IGE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hu
- Department of RadiologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Medical Imaging Center of Guizhou ProvinceZunyiChina,Department of Radiology and Nuclear MedicineXuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Haifeng Ran
- Department of RadiologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Medical Imaging Center of Guizhou ProvinceZunyiChina
| | - Guiqin Chen
- Department of RadiologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Medical Imaging Center of Guizhou ProvinceZunyiChina
| | - Yulun He
- Department of RadiologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Medical Imaging Center of Guizhou ProvinceZunyiChina
| | - Qinghui Li
- Department of RadiologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Medical Imaging Center of Guizhou ProvinceZunyiChina
| | - Junwei Liu
- Department of RadiologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Medical Imaging Center of Guizhou ProvinceZunyiChina
| | - Fangling Li
- Department of RadiologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Medical Imaging Center of Guizhou ProvinceZunyiChina
| | - Heng Liu
- Department of RadiologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Medical Imaging Center of Guizhou ProvinceZunyiChina
| | - Tijiang Zhang
- Department of RadiologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Medical Imaging Center of Guizhou ProvinceZunyiChina
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Savya SP, Li F, Lam S, Wellman SM, Stieger KC, Chen K, Eles JR, Kozai TDY. In vivo spatiotemporal dynamics of astrocyte reactivity following neural electrode implantation. Biomaterials 2022; 289:121784. [PMID: 36103781 PMCID: PMC10231871 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Brain computer interfaces (BCIs), including penetrating microelectrode arrays, enable both recording and stimulation of neural cells. However, device implantation inevitably causes injury to brain tissue and induces a foreign body response, leading to reduced recording performance and stimulation efficacy. Astrocytes in the healthy brain play multiple roles including regulating energy metabolism, homeostatic balance, transmission of neural signals, and neurovascular coupling. Following an insult to the brain, they are activated and gather around the site of injury. These reactive astrocytes have been regarded as one of the main contributors to the formation of a glial scar which affects the performance of microelectrode arrays. This study investigates the dynamics of astrocytes within the first 2 weeks after implantation of an intracortical microelectrode into the mouse brain using two-photon microscopy. From our observation astrocytes are highly dynamic during this period, exhibiting patterns of process extension, soma migration, morphological activation, and device encapsulation that are spatiotemporally distinct from other glial cells, such as microglia or oligodendrocyte precursor cells. This detailed characterization of astrocyte reactivity will help to better understand the tissue response to intracortical devices and lead to the development of more effective intervention strategies to improve the functional performance of neural interfacing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajishnu P Savya
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Northwestern University, USA
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Computational Modeling & Simulation PhD Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie Lam
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steven M Wellman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kevin C Stieger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Keying Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James R Eles
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Takashi D Y Kozai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; NeuroTech Center, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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32
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Su Z, Yan J, Ji H, Liu M, Zhang X, Li X, Yuan Y. Time-frequency cross-coupling between cortical low-frequency neuronal calcium oscillations and blood oxygen metabolism evoked by ultrasound stimulation. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:4665-4676. [PMID: 36137570 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) can modulate the coupling of high-frequency (160-200 Hz) neural oscillations and cerebral blood oxygen metabolism (BOM); however, the correlation of low-frequency (0-2 Hz) neural oscillations with BOM in temporal and frequency domains under TUS remains unclear. To address this, we monitored the TUS-evoked neuronal calcium oscillations and BOM simultaneously in the mouse visual cortex by using multimodal optical imaging with a high spatiotemporal resolution. We demonstrated that TUS can significantly increase the intensity of the neuronal calcium oscillations and BOM; the peak value, peak time, and duration of calcium oscillations are functionally related to stimulation duration; TUS does not significantly increase the neurovascular coupling strength between calcium oscillations and BOM in the temporal domain; the time differences of the energy peaks between TUS-induced calcium oscillations and BOM depend on their spectral ranges; the frequency differences of the energy peaks between TUS-induced calcium oscillations and BOM depend on their time ranges; and TUS can significantly change the phase of calcium oscillations and BOM from uniform distribution to a more concentrated region. In conclusion, ultrasound stimulation can evoke the time-frequency cross-coupling between the cortical low-frequency neuronal calcium oscillations and BOM in mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaocheng Su
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China.,Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Jiaqing Yan
- College of Electrical and Control Engineering, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100041, China
| | - Hui Ji
- Department of Neurology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Mengyang Liu
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Xiangjian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China.,Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
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33
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Gorina YV, Salmina AB, Erofeev AI, Gerasimov EI, Bolshakova AV, Balaban PM, Bezprozvanny IB, Vlasova OL. Astrocyte Activation Markers. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:851-870. [PMID: 36180985 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922090012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most common type of glial cells that provide homeostasis and protection of the central nervous system. Important specific characteristic of astrocytes is manifestation of morphological heterogeneity, which is directly dependent on localization in a particular area of the brain. Astrocytes can integrate into neural networks and keep neurons active in various areas of the brain. Moreover, astrocytes express a variety of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters, which underlie their peculiar metabolic activity, and, hence, determine plasticity of the central nervous system during development and aging. Such complex structural and functional organization of astrocytes requires the use of modern methods for their identification and analysis. Considering the important fact that determining the most appropriate marker for polymorphic and multiple subgroups of astrocytes is of decisive importance for studying their multifunctionality, this review presents markers, modern imaging techniques, and identification of astrocytes, which comprise a valuable resource for studying structural and functional properties of astrocytes, as well as facilitate better understanding of the extent to which astrocytes contribute to neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana V Gorina
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia.
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Alla B Salmina
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Tissue Engineering, Brain Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, 105064, Russia
| | - Alexander I Erofeev
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
| | - Evgeniy I Gerasimov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
| | - Anastasia V Bolshakova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
| | - Pavel M Balaban
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity, Moscow, 117485, Russia
| | - Ilya B Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Olga L Vlasova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
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Shinto LH, Raber J, Mishra A, Roese N, Silbert LC. A Review of Oxylipins in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD): Potential Therapeutic Targets for the Modulation of Vascular Tone and Inflammation. Metabolites 2022; 12:826. [PMID: 36144230 PMCID: PMC9501361 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12090826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
There is now a convincing body of evidence from observational studies that the majority of modifiable Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) risk factors are vascular in nature. In addition, the co-existence of cerebrovascular disease with AD is more common than AD alone, and conditions resulting in brain ischemia likely promote detrimental effects of AD pathology. Oxylipins are a class of bioactive lipid mediators derived from the oxidation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which act as modulators of both vascular tone and inflammation. In vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), there is emerging evidence that oxylipins may have both protective and detrimental effects on brain structure, cognitive performance, and disease progression. In this review, we focus on oxylipin relationships with vascular and inflammatory risk factors in human studies and animal models pertinent to ADRD. In addition, we discuss future research directions with the potential to impact the trajectory of ADRD risk and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne H. Shinto
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., CR120, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., CR120, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Departments of Behavioral Neuroscience and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Anusha Mishra
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., CR120, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Natalie Roese
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., CR120, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Lisa C. Silbert
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., CR120, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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35
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Connexins Signatures of the Neurovascular Unit and Their Physio-Pathological Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179510. [PMID: 36076908 PMCID: PMC9455936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis is closely linked to the delicate balance of the microenvironment in which different cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU) coexist. Intercellular communication plays a pivotal role in exchanges of signaling molecules and mediators essential for survival functions, as well as in the removal of disturbing elements that can lead to related pathologies. The specific signatures of connexins (Cxs), proteins which form either gap junctions (GJs) or hemichannels (HCs), represent the biological substrate of the pathophysiological balance. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is undoubtedly one of the most important factors in glia–neuro–vascular crosstalk. Herein, Cxs signatures of every NVU component are highlighted and their critical influence on functional processes in healthy and pathological conditions of nervous microenvironment is reviewed.
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36
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Pang D, Gao Y, Liao L. Functional brain imaging and central control of the bladder in health and disease. Front Physiol 2022; 13:914963. [PMID: 36035497 PMCID: PMC9411744 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.914963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Central control of the bladder is a complex process. With the development of functional imaging technology and analysis methods, research on brain-bladder control has become more in-depth. Here, we review previous functional imaging studies and combine our latest findings to discuss brain regions related to bladder control, interactions between these regions, and brain networks, as well as changes in brain function in diseases such as urgency urinary incontinence, idiopathic overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, urologic chronic pain syndrome, neurogenic overactive bladder, and nocturnal enuresis. Implicated brain regions include the pons, periaqueductal grey, thalamus, insula, prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, supplementary motor area, cerebellum, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, amygdala, and hippocampus. Because the brain is a complex information transmission and processing system, these regions do not work in isolation but through functional connections to form a number of subnetworks to achieve bladder control. In summarizing previous studies, we found changes in the brain functional connectivity networks related to bladder control in healthy subjects and patients involving the attentional network, central executive network or frontoparietal network, salience network, interoceptive network, default mode network, sensorimotor network, visual network, basal ganglia network, subcortical network, cerebella, and brainstem. We extend the working model proposed by Griffiths et al. from the brain network level, providing insights for current and future bladder-control research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqing Pang
- China Rehabilitation Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Urology, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Department of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Gao
- China Rehabilitation Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Urology, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Department of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Limin Liao
- China Rehabilitation Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Urology, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Department of Urology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Limin Liao,
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37
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Aleksandrova MA, Sukhinich KK. Astrocytes of the Brain: Retinue Plays the King. Russ J Dev Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360422040026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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38
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Bojovic D, Stackhouse TL, Mishra A. Assaying activity-dependent arteriole and capillary responses in brain slices. NEUROPHOTONICS 2022; 9:031913. [PMID: 35558646 PMCID: PMC9089234 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.9.3.031913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Neurovascular coupling (NVC) is the process that increases cerebral blood flow in response to neuronal activity. NVC is orchestrated by signaling between neurons, glia, and vascular cells. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying NVC at different vascular segments and in different brain regions is imperative for understanding of brain function and mechanisms of dysfunction. Aim: Our goal is to describe a protocol for concurrently monitoring stimulation-evoked neuronal activity and resultant vascular responses in acute brain slices. Approach: We describe a step-by-step protocol that allows the study of endogenous NVC mechanisms engaged by neuronal activity in a controlled, reduced preparation. Results: This ex vivo NVC assay allows researchers to disentangle the mechanisms regulating the contractile responses of different vascular segments in response to neuronal firing independent of flow and pressure mediated effects from connected vessels. It also enables easy pharmacological manipulations in a simplified, reduced system and can be combined with Ca 2 + imaging or broader electrophysiology techniques to obtain multimodal data during NVC. Conclusions: The ex vivo NVC assay will facilitate investigations of cellular and molecular mechanisms that give rise to NVC and should serve as a valuable complement to in vivo imaging methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danica Bojovic
- Oregon Health & Science University, Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Department of Neurology, Portland, Oregon, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University, Vollum Institute, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Teresa L. Stackhouse
- Oregon Health & Science University, Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Department of Neurology, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Anusha Mishra
- Oregon Health & Science University, Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Department of Neurology, Portland, Oregon, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Portland, Oregon, United States
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39
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Burboa PC, Puebla M, Gaete PS, Durán WN, Lillo MA. Connexin and Pannexin Large-Pore Channels in Microcirculation and Neurovascular Coupling Function. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137303. [PMID: 35806312 PMCID: PMC9266979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Microcirculation homeostasis depends on several channels permeable to ions and/or small molecules that facilitate the regulation of the vasomotor tone, hyperpermeability, the blood–brain barrier, and the neurovascular coupling function. Connexin (Cxs) and Pannexin (Panxs) large-pore channel proteins are implicated in several aspects of vascular physiology. The permeation of ions (i.e., Ca2+) and key metabolites (ATP, prostaglandins, D-serine, etc.) through Cxs (i.e., gap junction channels or hemichannels) and Panxs proteins plays a vital role in intercellular communication and maintaining vascular homeostasis. Therefore, dysregulation or genetic pathologies associated with these channels promote deleterious tissue consequences. This review provides an overview of current knowledge concerning the physiological role of these large-pore molecule channels in microcirculation (arterioles, capillaries, venules) and in the neurovascular coupling function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pía C. Burboa
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Departamento de Morfología y Función, Facultad de Salud y Ciencias Sociales, Sede Santiago Centro, Universidad de las Américas, Avenue República 71, Santiago 8370040, Chile;
| | - Mariela Puebla
- Departamento de Morfología y Función, Facultad de Salud y Ciencias Sociales, Sede Santiago Centro, Universidad de las Américas, Avenue República 71, Santiago 8370040, Chile;
| | - Pablo S. Gaete
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Walter N. Durán
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Mauricio A. Lillo
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (P.C.B.); (W.N.D.)
- Correspondence:
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40
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Lansdell TA, Chambers LC, Dorrance AM. Endothelial Cells and the Cerebral Circulation. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3449-3508. [PMID: 35766836 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells form the innermost layer of all blood vessels and are the only vascular component that remains throughout all vascular segments. The cerebral vasculature has several unique properties not found in the peripheral circulation; this requires that the cerebral endothelium be considered as a unique entity. Cerebral endothelial cells perform several functions vital for brain health. The cerebral vasculature is responsible for protecting the brain from external threats carried in the blood. The endothelial cells are central to this requirement as they form the basis of the blood-brain barrier. The endothelium also regulates fibrinolysis, thrombosis, platelet activation, vascular permeability, metabolism, catabolism, inflammation, and white cell trafficking. Endothelial cells regulate the changes in vascular structure caused by angiogenesis and artery remodeling. Further, the endothelium contributes to vascular tone, allowing proper perfusion of the brain which has high energy demands and no energy stores. In this article, we discuss the basic anatomy and physiology of the cerebral endothelium. Where appropriate, we discuss the detrimental effects of high blood pressure on the cerebral endothelium and the contribution of cerebrovascular disease endothelial dysfunction and dementia. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3449-3508, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A Lansdell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Laura C Chambers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Anne M Dorrance
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
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Luo Y, Yang H, Yan X, Wu Y, Wei G, Wu X, Tian X, Xiong Y, Wu G, Wen H. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Alleviates Neurovascular Unit Dysfunction in Mice With Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:857415. [PMID: 35493946 PMCID: PMC9047023 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.857415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons, glial cells and blood vessels are collectively referred to as the neurovascular unit (NVU). In the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain, the main components of the NVU undergo pathological changes. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can protect neurons, induce changes in glial cells, regulate cerebral blood flow, and exert long-term neuroprotection. However, the mechanism by which tDCS improves NVU function is unclear. In this study, we explored the effect of tDCS on the NVU in mice with preclinical AD and the related mechanisms. 10 sessions of tDCS were given to six-month-old male APP/PS1 mice in the preclinical stage. The model group, sham stimulation group, and control group were made up of APP/PS1 mice and C57 mice of the same age. All mice were histologically evaluated two months after receiving tDCS. Protein content was measured using Western blotting and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The link between glial cells and blood vessels was studied using immunofluorescence staining and lectin staining. The results showed that tDCS affected the metabolism of Aβ; the levels of Aβ, amyloid precursor protein (APP) and BACE1 were significantly reduced, and the levels of ADAM10 were significantly increased in the frontal cortex and hippocampus in the stimulation group. In the stimulation group, tDCS reduced the protein levels of Iba1 and GFAP and increased the protein levels of NeuN, LRP1 and PDGRFβ. This suggests that tDCS can improve NVU function in APP/PS1 mice in the preclinical stage. Increased blood vessel density and blood vessel length, decreased IgG extravasation, and increased the protein levels of occludin and coverage of astrocyte foot processes with blood vessels suggested that tDCS had a protective effect on the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, the increased numbers of Vimentin, S100 expression and blood vessels (lectin-positive) around Aβ indicated that the effect of tDCS was mediated by astrocytes and blood vessels. There was no significant difference in these parameters between the model group and the sham stimulation group. In conclusion, our results show that tDCS can improve NVU function in APP/PS1 mice in the preclinical stage, providing further support for the use of tDCS as a treatment for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinpei Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory of Neural Regulation and Rehabilitation Technology, Chongqing Medical Electronics Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Laboratory of Neural Regulation and Rehabilitation Technology, Chongqing Medical Electronics Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojing Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yaran Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoliang Wei
- Laboratory of Neural Regulation and Rehabilitation Technology, Chongqing Medical Electronics Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoying Wu
- Laboratory of Neural Regulation and Rehabilitation Technology, Chongqing Medical Electronics Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuelong Tian
- Laboratory of Neural Regulation and Rehabilitation Technology, Chongqing Medical Electronics Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guangyan Wu
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Guangyan Wu,
| | - Huizhong Wen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Huizhong Wen,
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42
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Tran CHT. Toolbox for studying neurovascular coupling in vivo, with a focus on vascular activity and calcium dynamics in astrocytes. NEUROPHOTONICS 2022; 9:021909. [PMID: 35295714 PMCID: PMC8920490 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.9.2.021909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Insights into the cellular activity of each member of the neurovascular unit (NVU) is critical for understanding their contributions to neurovascular coupling (NVC)-one of the key control mechanisms in cerebral blood flow regulation. Advances in imaging and genetic tools have enhanced our ability to observe, manipulate and understand the cellular activity of NVU components, namely neurons, astrocytes, microglia, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and pericytes. However, there are still many unresolved questions. Since astrocytes are considered electrically unexcitable, Ca 2 + signaling is the main parameter used to monitor their activity. It is therefore imperative to study astrocytic Ca 2 + dynamics simultaneously with vascular activity using tools appropriate for the question of interest. Aim: To highlight currently available genetic and imaging tools for studying the NVU-and thus NVC-with a focus on astrocyte Ca 2 + dynamics and vascular activity, and discuss the utility, technical advantages, and limitations of these tools for elucidating NVC mechanisms. Approach: We draw attention to some outstanding questions regarding the mechanistic basis of NVC and emphasize the role of astrocytic Ca 2 + elevations in functional hyperemia. We further discuss commonly used genetic, and optical imaging tools, as well as some newly developed imaging modalities for studying NVC at the cellular level, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Results: We provide an overview of the current state of NVC research, focusing on the role of astrocytic Ca 2 + elevations in functional hyperemia; summarize recent advances in genetically engineered Ca 2 + indicators, fluorescence microscopy techniques for studying NVC; and discuss the unmet challenges for future imaging development. Conclusions: Advances in imaging techniques together with improvements in genetic tools have significantly contributed to our understanding of NVC. Many pieces of the puzzle have been revealed, but many more remain to be discovered. Ultimately, optimizing NVC research will require a concerted effort to improve imaging techniques, available genetic tools, and analytical software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cam Ha T. Tran
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Reno, Nevada, United States
- Address all correspondence to Cam Ha T. Tran,
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Gagliano G, Monteverdi A, Casali S, Laforenza U, Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott CAM, D’Angelo E, Mapelli L. Non-Linear Frequency Dependence of Neurovascular Coupling in the Cerebellar Cortex Implies Vasodilation-Vasoconstriction Competition. Cells 2022; 11:1047. [PMID: 35326498 PMCID: PMC8947624 DOI: 10.3390/cells11061047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurovascular coupling (NVC) is the process associating local cerebral blood flow (CBF) to neuronal activity (NA). Although NVC provides the basis for the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) effect used in functional MRI (fMRI), the relationship between NVC and NA is still unclear. Since recent studies reported cerebellar non-linearities in BOLD signals during motor tasks execution, we investigated the NVC/NA relationship using a range of input frequencies in acute mouse cerebellar slices of vermis and hemisphere. The capillary diameter increased in response to mossy fiber activation in the 6-300 Hz range, with a marked inflection around 50 Hz (vermis) and 100 Hz (hemisphere). The corresponding NA was recorded using high-density multi-electrode arrays and correlated to capillary dynamics through a computational model dissecting the main components of granular layer activity. Here, NVC is known to involve a balance between the NMDAR-NO pathway driving vasodilation and the mGluRs-20HETE pathway driving vasoconstriction. Simulations showed that the NMDAR-mediated component of NA was sufficient to explain the time course of the capillary dilation but not its non-linear frequency dependence, suggesting that the mGluRs-20HETE pathway plays a role at intermediate frequencies. These parallel control pathways imply a vasodilation-vasoconstriction competition hypothesis that could adapt local hemodynamics at the microscale bearing implications for fMRI signals interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Gagliano
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.G.); (A.M.); (S.C.); (C.A.M.G.W.-K.)
| | - Anita Monteverdi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.G.); (A.M.); (S.C.); (C.A.M.G.W.-K.)
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Casali
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.G.); (A.M.); (S.C.); (C.A.M.G.W.-K.)
| | - Umberto Laforenza
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Claudia A. M. Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.G.); (A.M.); (S.C.); (C.A.M.G.W.-K.)
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London WC1N3 BG, UK
| | - Egidio D’Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.G.); (A.M.); (S.C.); (C.A.M.G.W.-K.)
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Lisa Mapelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.G.); (A.M.); (S.C.); (C.A.M.G.W.-K.)
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Lyon KA, Allen NJ. From Synapses to Circuits, Astrocytes Regulate Behavior. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 15:786293. [PMID: 35069124 PMCID: PMC8772456 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.786293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are non-neuronal cells that regulate synapses, neuronal circuits, and behavior. Astrocytes ensheath neuronal synapses to form the tripartite synapse where astrocytes influence synapse formation, function, and plasticity. Beyond the synapse, recent research has revealed that astrocyte influences on the nervous system extend to the modulation of neuronal circuitry and behavior. Here we review recent findings on the active role of astrocytes in behavioral modulation with a focus on in vivo studies, primarily in mice. Using tools to acutely manipulate astrocytes, such as optogenetics or chemogenetics, studies reviewed here have demonstrated a causal role for astrocytes in sleep, memory, sensorimotor behaviors, feeding, fear, anxiety, and cognitive processes like attention and behavioral flexibility. Current tools and future directions for astrocyte-specific manipulation, including methods for probing astrocyte heterogeneity, are discussed. Understanding the contribution of astrocytes to neuronal circuit activity and organismal behavior will be critical toward understanding how nervous system function gives rise to behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krissy A Lyon
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Nicola J Allen
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Lanciotti A, Brignone MS, Macioce P, Visentin S, Ambrosini E. Human iPSC-Derived Astrocytes: A Powerful Tool to Study Primary Astrocyte Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Rare Leukodystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010274. [PMID: 35008700 PMCID: PMC8745131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are very versatile cells, endowed with multitasking capacities to ensure brain homeostasis maintenance from brain development to adult life. It has become increasingly evident that astrocytes play a central role in many central nervous system pathologies, not only as regulators of defensive responses against brain insults but also as primary culprits of the disease onset and progression. This is particularly evident in some rare leukodystrophies (LDs) where white matter/myelin deterioration is due to primary astrocyte dysfunctions. Understanding the molecular defects causing these LDs may help clarify astrocyte contribution to myelin formation/maintenance and favor the identification of possible therapeutic targets for LDs and other CNS demyelinating diseases. To date, the pathogenic mechanisms of these LDs are poorly known due to the rarity of the pathological tissue and the failure of the animal models to fully recapitulate the human diseases. Thus, the development of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) from patient fibroblasts and their differentiation into astrocytes is a promising approach to overcome these issues. In this review, we discuss the primary role of astrocytes in LD pathogenesis, the experimental models currently available and the advantages, future evolutions, perspectives, and limitations of hiPSC to study pathologies implying astrocyte dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lanciotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Maria Stefania Brignone
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Pompeo Macioce
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Sergio Visentin
- National Center for Research and Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of Drugs, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-990-2037
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Functional ultrasound imaging: A useful tool for functional connectomics? Neuroimage 2021; 245:118722. [PMID: 34800662 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional ultrasound (fUS) is a hemodynamic-based functional neuroimaging technique, primarily used in animal models, that combines a high spatiotemporal resolution, a large field of view, and compatibility with behavior. These assets make fUS especially suited to interrogating brain activity at the systems level. In this review, we describe the technical capabilities offered by fUS and discuss how this technique can contribute to the field of functional connectomics. First, fUS can be used to study intrinsic functional connectivity, namely patterns of correlated activity between brain regions. In this area, fUS has made the most impact by following connectivity changes in disease models, across behavioral states, or dynamically. Second, fUS can also be used to map brain-wide pathways associated with an external event. For example, fUS has helped obtain finer descriptions of several sensory systems, and uncover new pathways implicated in specific behaviors. Additionally, combining fUS with direct circuit manipulations such as optogenetics is an attractive way to map the brain-wide connections of defined neuronal populations. Finally, technological improvements and the application of new analytical tools promise to boost fUS capabilities. As brain coverage and the range of behavioral contexts that can be addressed with fUS keep on increasing, we believe that fUS-guided connectomics will only expand in the future. In this regard, we consider the incorporation of fUS into multimodal studies combining diverse techniques and behavioral tasks to be the most promising research avenue.
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Ouellette J, Lacoste B. From Neurodevelopmental to Neurodegenerative Disorders: The Vascular Continuum. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:749026. [PMID: 34744690 PMCID: PMC8570842 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.749026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural and functional integrity of the cerebral vasculature ensures proper brain development and function, as well as healthy aging. The inability of the brain to store energy makes it exceptionally dependent on an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients from the blood stream for matching colossal demands of neural and glial cells. Key vascular features including a dense vasculature, a tightly controlled environment, and the regulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) all take part in brain health throughout life. As such, healthy brain development and aging are both ensured by the anatomical and functional interaction between the vascular and nervous systems that are established during brain development and maintained throughout the lifespan. During critical periods of brain development, vascular networks remodel until they can actively respond to increases in neural activity through neurovascular coupling, which makes the brain particularly vulnerable to neurovascular alterations. The brain vasculature has been strongly associated with the onset and/or progression of conditions associated with aging, and more recently with neurodevelopmental disorders. Our understanding of cerebrovascular contributions to neurological disorders is rapidly evolving, and increasing evidence shows that deficits in angiogenesis, CBF and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are causally linked to cognitive impairment. Moreover, it is of utmost curiosity that although neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders express different clinical features at different stages of life, they share similar vascular abnormalities. In this review, we present an overview of vascular dysfunctions associated with neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, Down Syndrome) and neurodegenerative (multiple sclerosis, Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases) disorders, with a focus on impairments in angiogenesis, CBF and the BBB. Finally, we discuss the impact of early vascular impairments on the expression of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Ouellette
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Neuroscience Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Baptiste Lacoste
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Neuroscience Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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