Oxytocin excites BNST interneurons and inhibits BNST output neurons to the central amygdala

The dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST_DL) has high expression of oxytocin (OT) receptors (OTR), which were shown to facilitate cued fear. However, the role of OTR in the modulation of BNST_DL activity remains elusive. BNST_DL contains GABA-ergic neurons classified based on intrinsic membrane properties into three types. Using in vitro patch-clamp recordings in male rats, we demonstrate that OT selectively excites and increases spontaneous firing rate of Type I BNST_DL neurons. As a consequence, OT increases the frequency, but not amplitude, of spontaneous inhibitory post-synaptic currents (sIPSCs) selectively in Type II neurons, an effect abolished by OTR antagonist or tetrodotoxin, and reduces spontaneous firing rate in these neurons. These results suggest an indirect effect of OT in Type II neurons, which is mediated via OT-induced increase in firing of Type I interneurons. As Type II BNST_DL neurons were shown projecting to the central amygdala (CeA), we also recorded from retrogradely labeled BNST→CeA neurons and we show that OT increases the frequency of sIPSC in these Type II BNST→CeA output neurons. In contrast, in Type III neurons, OT reduces the amplitude, but not frequency, of both sIPSCs and evoked IPSCs via a postsynaptic mechanism without changing their intrinsic excitability. We present a model of fine-tuned modulation of BNST_DL activity by OT, which selectively excites BNST_DL interneurons and inhibits Type II BNST→CeA output neurons. These results suggest that OTR in the BNST might facilitate cued fear by inhibiting the BNST→CeA neurons.

P5291Is the obesity paradox in cardiac surgery really a myth? Effect of body mass index on early and late clinical outcomes

Introduction

Obesity has been considered a risk factor for cardiovascular death and for poor outcomes from a variety of surgical procedures, recent studies suggest that overweight (OW) and obese (OB) patients may paradoxically have a better prognosis in cardiac surgery (CS) compared with patients with normal body mass index (BMI). We aimed to investigate the obesity paradox and assess the effect of BMI on early and late clinical outcomes after CS

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing CS from January 2007 to January 2019 was carried out. Patients were divided into 4 groups defined by BMI:underweight (UW) (≤18,5 kg/m2):0.5%, n=27; normal weight (NW) (18,5–25 kg/m2): 25.7%, n=1393; OW (25–30 kg/m2): 44.7%, n=2423; OB (≥30 kg/m2): 29.1%, n=1576. Multivariable analyses was used to compare the outcomes among the different BMI groups. Overall 1-year survival of BMI categories were determined by the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

We included 5419 patients (72% male, mean age 65,8±12.1). The BMI groups were significantly different regarding pre-surgical variables, UW patients were statistically more comorbid and severe clinical presentation. Categorical mortality was 7% in UW, 5,2% in NW, 3,2% in OW, 4,3% in the OB group, P=0,016. The risk of death according to BMI exhibited a reverse J-shaped curve. Low cardiac output syndrome, medical and surgical bleeding and longer hospital stay was more frequent in the UW group (P<0,05), and mediastinitis, hyperglycemia and prolonged mechanical ventilation in OB group (P<0,05). Univariable regression detected the following significant predictors of in-hospital mortality: Age, female, non-elective surgery, non isolated coronary surgery, vascular peripheral disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe left ventricular fraction ejection, chronic renal disease, anemia, stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure and BMI categories (P<0.05): NW (odds ratio (OR), 1,49; 95% CI: 1,09–1,9, P=0,01), in contrast, OW had a significantly lower risk of death (OR 0,66; 95% CI: 0,5–0,88, P=0,005), with no statistical significance in the UW and OB categories. After adjusting for other risk factors at the multivariate analysis, BMI as a continuous variable was not an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. One-year follow-up was completed in 95%, during this period 223 (4,12%) died. The analysis of unadjusted long-term mortality did not show a significant difference between BMI categories (P log rank = 0,16).

Conclusion

In our population OW patients had lower mortality and better outcomes after cardiac surgery. However, when other preoperative variables are taken into account, BMI did not have independent effect on in-hospital and one-year mortality, questioning the existence of an “obesity paradox”. Its effect on mortality could be indirect, being mediated through other comorbidities.

Developmental NMDA receptor dysregulation in the infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis mouse model

Protein palmitoylation and depalmitoylation alter protein function. This post-translational modification is critical for synaptic transmission and plasticity. Mutation of the depalmitoylating enzyme palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) causes infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN1), a pediatric neurodegenerative disease. However, the role of protein depalmitoylation in synaptic maturation is unknown. Therefore, we studied synapse development in Ppt1^-/- mouse visual cortex. We demonstrate that the developmental N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit switch from GluN2B to GluN2A is stagnated in Ppt1^-/- mice. Correspondingly, Ppt1^-/- neurons exhibit immature evoked NMDAR currents and dendritic spine morphology in vivo. Further, dissociated Ppt1^-/- cultured neurons show extrasynaptic, diffuse calcium influxes and enhanced vulnerability to NMDA-induced excitotoxicity, reflecting the predominance of GluN2B-containing receptors. Remarkably, Ppt1^-/- neurons demonstrate hyperpalmitoylation of GluN2B as well as Fyn kinase, which regulates surface retention of GluN2B. Thus, PPT1 plays a critical role in postsynapse maturation by facilitating the GluN2 subunit switch and proteostasis of palmitoylated proteins.

HIV-1 Tat alters neuronal intrinsic excitability

Objective

In HIV+ individuals, the virus enters the central nervous system and invades innate immune cells, producing important changes that result in neurological deficits. We aimed to determine whether HIV plays a direct role in neuronal excitability. Of the HIV peptides, Tat is secreted and acts in other cells. In order to examine whether the HIV Tat can modify neuronal excitability, we exposed primary murine hippocampal neurons to that peptide, and tested its effects on the intrinsic membrane properties, 4 and 24 h after exposure.

Results

The exposure of hippocampal pyramidal neurons to Tat for 4 h did not alter intrinsic membrane properties. However, we found a strong increase in intrinsic excitability, characterized by increase of the slope (Gain) of the input–output function, in cells treated with Tat for 24 h. Nevertheless, Tat treatment for 24 h did not alter the resting membrane potential, input resistance, rheobase and action potential threshold. Thus, neuronal adaptability to Tat exposure for 24 h is not applicable to basic neuronal properties. A restricted but significant effect on coupling the inputs to the outputs may have implications to our knowledge of Tat biophysical firing capability, and its involvement in neuronal hyperexcitability in neuroHIV.

c-Fos mapping of brain regions activated by multi-modal and electric foot shock stress

Real-world stressors are complex and multimodal, involving physical, psychological, and social dimensions. However, the brain networks that mediate stress responses to these stimuli need to be further studied. We used c-Fos mapping in mice to characterize brain circuits activated by exposure to a single episode of multimodal stress (MMS), and compared these to circuits activated by electric foot shocks (EFS). We focused on characterizing c-Fos activity in stress-relevant brain regions including the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). We also assessed stress-induced activation of CRH-positive neurons in each of these structures. MMS and EFS activated an overlapping network of brain regions with a similar time course. c-Fos expression within the PVN and the BNST peaked 30–60 min after exposure to both MMS and EFS, and returned to baseline levels within 24 h. Quantification of c-Fos expression within BNST subregions revealed that while c-Fos expression peaked in all subregions 30–60 min after MMS and EFS exposure, the neuronal density of c-Fos expression was significantly higher in the dorsomedial and ventral BNST relative to the dorsolateral BNST. Our preliminary assessment indicated that a great majority of MMS or EFS-activated neurons in the PVN were CRH-positive (>87%); in contrast, about 6–35% of activated neurons in the BNST were CRH-positive. Our findings indicate that both MMS and EFS are effective at activating stress-relevant brain areas and support the use of MMS as an effective approach for studying multidimensional stress in animal models. The results also reveal that the PVN and BNST are part of a common neural circuit substrate involved in neural processing related to stress.

Opiate dependence induces cell type-specific plasticity of intrinsic membrane properties in the rat juxtacapsular bed nucleus of stria terminalis (jcBNST)

RATIONALE

Drugs of abuse can alter circuit dynamics by modifying synaptic efficacy and/or the intrinsic membrane properties of neurons. The juxtacapsular subdivision of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (jcBNST) has unique connectivity that positions it to integrate cortical and amygdala inputs and provide feed-forward inhibition to the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), among other regions. In this study, we investigated changes in the synaptic and intrinsic properties of neurons in the rat jcBNST during protracted withdrawal from morphine dependence using a combination of conventional electrophysiological methods and the dynamic clamp technique.

RESULTS

A history of opiate dependence induced a form of cell type-specific plasticity characterized by reduced inward rectification associated with more depolarized resting membrane potentials and increased membrane resistance. This cell type also showed a lower rheobase when stimulated with direct current (DC) pulses as well as a decreased firing threshold under simulated synaptic bombardment with the dynamic clamp. Morphine dependence also decreased excitatory postsynaptic potential amplification, suggesting the downregulation of the persistent Na⁺ current (I _NaP).

CONCLUSION

These findings show that a history of morphine dependence leads to persistent cell type-specific plasticity of the passive membrane properties of a jcBNST neuronal population, leading to an overall increased excitability of such neurons. By altering the activity of extended amygdala circuits where they are embedded, changes in the integration properties of jcBNST neurons may contribute to emotional dysregulation associated with drug dependence and withdrawal.

High-resolution and cell-type-specific photostimulation mapping shows weak excitatory vs. strong inhibitory inputs in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a key component of the extended amygdala and has been implicated in anxiety and addiction. As individual neurons function within neural circuits, it is important to understand local microcircuits and larger network connections of identified neuronal types and understand how maladaptive changes in the BNST neural networks are induced by stress and drug abuse. However, due to limitations of classic anatomical and physiological methods, the local circuit organization of synaptic inputs to specific BNST neuron types is not well understood. In this study, we report on the application of high-resolution and cell-type-specific photostimulation methodology developed in our laboratory to local circuit mapping in the BNST. Under calibrated experimental conditions, laser photostimulation via glutamate uncaging or channelrhodopsin-2 photoactivation evokes spiking of BNST neurons perisomatically, without activating spikes from axons of passage or distal dendrites. Whole cell recordings, combined with spatially restricted photostimulation of presynaptic neurons at many different locations over a large region, allow high-resolution mapping of presynaptic input sources to single recorded neurons in the BNST. We constructed maps of synaptic inputs impinging onto corticotrophin-releasing hormone-expressing (CRH+) BNST neurons in the dorsolateral BNST and found that the CRH+ neurons receive predominant local inhibitory synaptic connections with very weak excitatory connections. Through cell-type-specific optogenetic stimulation mapping, we generated maps of somatostatin-expressing neuron-specific inhibitory inputs to BNST neurons. Taken together, the photostimulation-based techniques offer us powerful tools for determining the functional organization of local circuits of specific BNST neuron types.

Excitability of jcBNST neurons is reduced in alcohol-dependent animals during protracted alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol dependence and withdrawal has been shown to cause neuroadaptive changes at multiple levels of the nervous system. At the neuron level, adaptations of synaptic connections have been extensively studied in a number of brain areas and accumulating evidence also shows the importance of alcohol dependence-related changes in the intrinsic cellular properties of neurons. At the same time, it is still largely unknown how such neural adaptations impact the firing and integrative properties of neurons. To address these problems, here, we analyze physiological properties of neurons in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (jcBNST) in animals with a history of alcohol dependence. As a comprehensive approach, first we measure passive and active membrane properties of neurons using conventional current clamp protocols and then analyze their firing responses under the action of simulated synaptic bombardment via dynamic clamp. We find that most physiological properties as measured by DC current injection are barely affected during protracted withdrawal. However, neuronal excitability as measured from firing responses under simulated synaptic inputs with the dynamic clamp is markedly reduced in all 3 types of jcBNST neurons. These results support the importance of studying the effects of alcohol and drugs of abuse on the firing properties of neurons with dynamic clamp protocols designed to bring the neurons into a high conductance state. Since the jcBNST integrates excitatory inputs from the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and cortical inputs from the infralimbic and the insular cortices and in turn is believed to contribute to the inhibitory input to the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) the reduced excitability of the jcBNST during protracted withdrawal in alcohol-dependent animals will likely affect ability of the jcBNST to shape the activity and output of the CeA.

Consistency and diversity of spike dynamics in the neurons of bed nucleus of stria terminalis of the rat: a dynamic clamp study

Neurons display a high degree of variability and diversity in the expression and regulation of their voltage-dependent ionic channels. Under low level of synaptic background a number of physiologically distinct cell types can be identified in most brain areas that display different responses to standard forms of intracellular current stimulation. Nevertheless, it is not well understood how biophysically different neurons process synaptic inputs in natural conditions, i.e., when experiencing intense synaptic bombardment in vivo. While distinct cell types might process synaptic inputs into different patterns of action potentials representing specific “motifs” of network activity, standard methods of electrophysiology are not well suited to resolve such questions. In the current paper we performed dynamic clamp experiments with simulated synaptic inputs that were presented to three types of neurons in the juxtacapsular bed nucleus of stria terminalis (jcBNST) of the rat. Our analysis on the temporal structure of firing showed that the three types of jcBNST neurons did not produce qualitatively different spike responses under identical patterns of input. However, we observed consistent, cell type dependent variations in the fine structure of firing, at the level of single spikes. At the millisecond resolution structure of firing we found high degree of diversity across the entire spectrum of neurons irrespective of their type. Additionally, we identified a new cell type with intrinsic oscillatory properties that produced a rhythmic and regular firing under synaptic stimulation that distinguishes it from the previously described jcBNST cell types. Our findings suggest a sophisticated, cell type dependent regulation of spike dynamics of neurons when experiencing a complex synaptic background. The high degree of their dynamical diversity has implications to their cooperative dynamics and synchronization.

A potential role for adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) in the regulation of alcohol intake

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has been implicated in alcohol and drug addiction. We recently identified the small G protein K-ras as an alcohol-regulated gene in the ACC by gene expression analysis. We show here that the adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) was differentially regulated by alcohol in the ACC in a K-ras-dependent manner. Additionally, withdrawal-associated increased drinking was attenuated in AdipoR2 null mice. Intracellular recordings revealed that adiponectin increased the excitability of ACC neurons and that this effect was more pronounced during alcohol withdrawal, suggesting that AdipoR2 signaling may contribute to increased ACC activity. Altogether, the data implicate K-ras-regulated pathways involving AdipoR2 in the cellular and behavioral actions of alcohol that may contribute to overactivity of the ACC during withdrawal and excessive alcohol drinking.

Intrinsic neuronal plasticity in the juxtacapsular nucleus of the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (jcBNST)

The juxtacapsular nucleus of the anterior division of the BNST (jcBNST) receives robust glutamatergic projections from the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA), the postpiriform transition area, and the insular cortex as well as dopamine (DA) inputs from the midbrain. In turn the jcBNST sends GABAergic projections to the medial division of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CEAm) as well as other brain regions. We recently described a form of long-term potentiation of the intrinsic excitability (LTP-IE) of neurons of the juxtacapsular nucleus of BNST (jcBNST) in response to high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the stria terminalis that was impaired during protracted withdrawal from alcohol, cocaine, and heroin and in rats chronically treated with corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) intracerebroventricularly. Here we show that DAergic neurotransmission is required for the induction of LTP-IE of jcBNST neurons through dopamine (DA) D1 receptors. Thus, activation of the central CRF stress system and altered DAergic neurotransmission during protracted withdrawal from alcohol and drugs of abuse may contribute to the disruption of LTP-IE in the jcBNST. Impairment of this form of intrinsic neuronal plasticity in the jcBNST could result in inadequate neuronal integration and reduced inhibition of the CEA, contributing to the negative affective state that characterizes protracted abstinence in post-dependent individuals. These results provide a novel neurobiological target for vulnerability to alcohol and drug dependence.

Time-restricted role for dendritic activation of the mTOR-p70S6K pathway in the induction of late-phase long-term potentiation in the CA1

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of translational capacity. The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin can prevent forms of protein synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity such as long-term facilitation in Aplysia and late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP) in the hippocampal CA1 region of rodents. In the latter model, two issues remain to be addressed: defining the L-LTP phase sensitive to rapamycin and identifying the site of rapamycin-sensitive protein synthesis. Here, we show that L-LTP is sensitive to application of rapamycin only during the induction paradigm, whereas rapamycin application after the establishment of L-LTP was ineffective. Second, we observed that Thr-389-phosphorylated p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K), the main active phosphoform of the mTOR effector p70S6K, was induced in an N-methyl-D-aspartate and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent manner throughout the dendrites but not in the cell bodies of CA1 neurons in hippocampal slices after L-LTP induction. A similar dendrite-wide activation of p70S6K was induced in primary hippocampal neurons by depolarization with KCL or glutamate. In primary hippocampal neurons, the sites of dendritic activation of p70S6K appeared as discrete compartments along dendritic shafts like the hotspots for fast dendritic translation. Conversely, only a subset of dendritic spines also displayed activated p70S6K. Taken together, the present data suggest that the N-methyl-d-aspartate-, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent dendritic activation of the mTOR-p70S6K pathway is necessary for the induction phase of protein synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity. Newly synthesized proteins in dendritic shafts could be targeted selectively to activity-tagged synapses. Thus, coordinated activation of dendrite-wide translation and synaptic-specific activation is likely to be necessary for long-term synaptic plasticity.

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate reduces GABA(A)-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in the CA1 region of hippocampus

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a psychoactive drug and a putative neurotransmitter, derived from gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). At micromolar concentrations GHB binds to specific high and low affinity binding sites present in discrete areas of the brain, while at millimolar concentrations GHB also binds to GABA(B) receptors. Previous studies indicated that GHB inhibits both NMDA and AMPA receptor mediated excitatory postsynaptic potentials in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. This action of GHB occurs in the presence of GABA(B) blockade and is antagonized by NCS-382, a specific GHB receptor antagonist, suggesting that it is mediated by GHB receptors. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of GHB on GABA(A) mediated inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (GABA(A)-IPSP) elicited in CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons by stimulation of Schaffer collateral-commissural fibers. We observed that GHB inhibited GABA(A)-IPSPs by about 40% at concentrations of 300-600 microM. GHB inhibition was blocked by NCS-382 (500 microM), which per se failed to modify GABA(A)-IPSPs. Moreover, GHB failed to modify cell membrane depolarization induced by the brief pressure application of GABA in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX), indicating that GHB does not inhibit postsynaptic GABA responses. However, GHB reduced the amplitude of GABA(A)-IPSPs elicited in pyramidal neurons by paired pulse stimulation and enhanced paired pulse facilitation with respect to control condition, suggesting that GHB reduces GABA release from nerve terminals. Finally, GHB failed to reduce the amplitude of GABA(A)-IPSPs in the presence of BaCl(2), suggesting that the effect of GHB is due to GHB receptor-mediated presynaptic inhibition of Ca(2)+ influx.

Long-term Potentiation of NMDA Receptor-mediated EPSP in Guinea-pig Hippocampal Slices

Hippocampal slices from guinea-pigs were used to examine the long-term potentiation (LTP) of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-mediated excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP). Intracellular recordings were performed from CA1 pyramidal neurons in the presence of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX, 5 - 10 microM) and picrotoxin (50 microM). In these experimental conditions test stimuli applied at low frequency (0.1 Hz) to the Schaffer collateral - commissural pathway evoked a prolonged EPSP (150 - 200 ms). To obtain this CNQX-resistant EPSP, stimulus intensities had to be raised above the level required to evoke an EPSP of comparable amplitude in physiological solution. Tetanic stimulation (two trains of 100 Hz, 1 s every 20 s) led to a potentiation of the CNQX-resistant EPSP, and this potentiated response was abolished with d-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (50 microM). The potentiation of the NMDA receptor-mediated EPSP was more pronounced for strong than for weak test stimuli, and was suppressed when test EPSPs were evoked during membrane hyperpolarization. These results suggest that NMDA receptor-mediated responses can undergo LTP, and hence can contribute to the maintenance of LTP.

A role for Src kinase in spontaneous epileptiform activity in the CA3 region of the hippocampus

Members of the Src family of nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) have been implicated in the regulation of cellular excitability and synaptic plasticity. We have investigated the role of these PTKs in in vitro models of epileptiform activity. Spontaneous epileptiform discharges were induced in vitro in the CA3 region of rat hippocampal slices by superfusion with the potassium channel blocker 4-aminopyridine in Mg(2+)-free medium. In hippocampal slices treated in this fashion, Src kinase activity was increased and the frequency of epileptiform discharges could be greatly reduced by inhibitor of the Src family of PTKs, 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2), but not by the inactive structural analog 4-amino-7-phenylpyrazol[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP3). 4-Amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine also reduced epileptiform activity induced by either 4-aminopyridine or Mg(2+)-free medium alone. These observations demonstrate a role for Src family PTKs in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and suggest potential therapeutic targets for antiepileptic therapy.

Synaptotagmins in membrane traffic: which vesicles do the tagmins tag?

The aim of this review is to give a broad picture of what is actually known about the synaptotagmin family. Synaptotagmin I is an abundant synaptic vesicle and secretory granule protein in neurons and endocrine cells which plays a key role in Ca(2+)-induced exocytosis. It belongs to the large family of C2 domain-proteins as it contains two internal repeats that have homology to the C2 domain of protein kinase C. Eleven synaptotagmin genes have been described in rat and mouse. Except for synaptotagmin I, and by analogy synaptotagmin II, the functions of these proteins are unknown. In this review we focus on data obtained on the various isoforms without exhaustively discussing the role of synaptotagmin I in neurotransmission. Numerous in vitro interactions of synaptotagmin I with key components of the exocytosis-endocytosis machinery have been reported. Additional data concerning the other synaptotagmins are now becoming available and are reviewed here. Only interactions which have been described for several synaptotagmins, are mentioned. It is unlikely that a single isoform displays all of these potential interactions in vivo and probably the subcellular distribution of the protein will favor some of them and preclude others. Therefore, to discuss the putative role of the various synaptotagmins we have examined in detail published data concerning their localization.

Synaptotagmin I and IV define distinct populations of neuronal transport vesicles

Mammalian synaptotagmins constitute a multigene family of at least 11 membrane proteins. We have characterized synaptotagmin IV using antibodies directed against the C2A domain of the protein. Antibodies reacted specifically with a protein band that migrated as a 41-44 kDa doublet. Synaptotagmin IV expression was regulated throughout development. A strong decrease in the amount detected by Western blotting occurred between postnatal day 5 and adulthood, in agreement with studies on the expression of synaptotagmin IV transcripts. In subcellular fractionation, synaptotagmin IV was not detected in the synaptic vesicle-enriched fraction. Immunofluorescence microscopy was concordant with this finding. In 6-day-old rat cerebellum and cultured hippocampal neurons the subcellular distribution of synaptotagmin IV was clearly different from that of synaptotagmin I. Synaptotagmin IV displayed a punctate non-polarized distribution on neuronal extensions, whereas synaptotagmin I staining was essentially synaptic. Synaptotagmin IV staining was also observed in the soma in strong perinuclear fluorescent puncta superimposed on that of Golgi/TGN markers. Furthermore, synaptotagmin IV was seen in the proximal part of the growth cone domain and not in the microfilament-rich region which includes filopodia. Co-localizations with the adhesion molecules vinculin and zyxin at the proximal part of growth cones were observed. Synaptotagmin IV may thus be involved in the regulation of specific membrane-trafficking pathways during brain development.

Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate inhibits excitatory postsynaptic potentials in rat hippocampal slices

Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) has been shown to mimic different central actions of ethanol, to suppress alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and to reduce alcohol consumption both in rats and in humans. The aim of the present study was to determine if GHB shared with alcohol the ability to inhibit glutamate action at both NMDA and AMPA/kainate receptors. The NMDA or the AMPA/kainate receptors-mediated postsynaptic potentials were evoked in CA1 pyramidal neurons by stimulation of Schaffer-collateral commissural fibers in the presence of CGP 35348, bicuculline to block the GABA(B) and GABA(A) receptors, and 10 microM 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) or 30 microM DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (d-APV) to block AMPA/kainate or NMDA receptors, respectively. GHB (600 microM) produced a depression of both NMDA and AMPA/kainate receptors-mediated excitatory postsynaptic potentials with recovery on washout. The GHB receptors antagonist, NCS-382, at the concentration of 500 microM had no effect per se on these responses but prevented the depressant effect of GHB (600 microM) on the NMDA and AMPA/kainate-mediated responses. In the paired-pulse experiments, GHB (600 microM) depressed the amplitude of the first and the second evoked AMPA/kainate excitatory postsynaptic potentials, and significantly increased the paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). These results suggest that GHB inhibits excitatory synaptic transmission at Schaffer-collateral commissural-pyramidal neurons synapses by decreasing the probability of release of glutamate.

Modulation of mice anxiety in response to cat odor as a consequence of predators diet

The effectiveness of predator odours as repellents was assessed, and the behavioral antipredatory responses were characterized. Mice had free access to an unfamiliar runway containing different olfactory stimuli: modelling clay, or feces of a cat subjected either to a vegetarian or a carnivorous diet. The first experiment revealed various indices of a spontaneous behavioral pattern that included exploratory activity, different kinds of emotionality, and a range of active or passive defensive reactions until the appearance of absence of risk assessment strictly related to presence or absence of anxiety. These reactions differ with larger responses to feces resulting from a carnivorous as opposed to vegetarian diets. In the second experiment, chlordiazepoxide (0, 2.5, 5, or 7.5 mg/kg) had a dose-related anxiolytic effect on exploration in mice of both vegetarian and carnivorous groups but could not totally reverse the strong anxiogenic effect of carnivorous stimulus on defensive mechanisms. These differences are related to the nature of the mammalian cues. This paradigm may be a fear-motivated model of animal anxiety.

Acamprosate enhances N-methyl-D-apartate receptor-mediated neurotransmission but inhibits presynaptic GABA(B) receptors in nucleus accumbens neurons

Acamprosate (calcium acetylhomotaurine) is used therapeutically in Europe to reduce relapse in weaned alcoholics. However, the mechanisms of acamprosate action in the central nervous system are still obscure, although early studies suggested an action on GABA receptors. The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is a brain region thought to underlie ethanol reinforcement. Recent studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that ethanol inhibits both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA types of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the NAcc. In the present study, we used voltage- and current-clamp intracellular recording of NAcc core neurons in a slice preparation to examine acamprosate actions on resting membrane properties and pharmacologically isolated synaptic responses. We isolated NMDA and non-NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic potentials or currents (EPSP/Cs) with 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) and DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (d-APV), respectively. Bicuculline was also included to block GABA(A) receptors. Superfusion of acamprosate (5, 50, and 300 microM) did not alter the resting membrane properties of NAcc neurons. However, 300 microM acamprosate significantly increased the NMDA receptor-mediated components of EPSP/Cs (NMDA-EPSP/Cs) with recovery on washout. In contrast, 300 microM acamprosate had no significant effect on the non-NMDA receptor component of the EPSP/Cs (non-NMDA-EPSP/Cs). To test acamprosate actions on the GABA system, we superfused 60 microM d-APV and 20 microM CNQX to block glutamatergic transmission and evoked monosynaptic GABA(A) receptor-mediated synaptic responses within the NAcc. Acamprosate (300 microM) did not change these monosynaptic GABA(A)-IPSCs. We also used a paired-pulse paradigm to test whether acamprosate could act on presynaptic GABA(B) autoreceptors, in the presence of d-APV and CNQX to block glutamatergic transmission. Like 0.5 microM CGP 34358 (a GABA[B] receptor blocker), acamprosate significantly decreased the paired-pulse inhibition (PPI) of GABA(A)-IPSCs at short interstimulus intervals (ISIs). Thus, acamprosate may concomitantly enhance NMDA-EPSP/Cs while blocking presynaptic GABA(B) receptor-mediated inhibition of GABA release. These results suggest that acamprosate's clinical efficacy in preventing relapse in weaned alcoholics could derive from its interactions with both the glutamatergic and GABAergic systems in the NAcc.

Further pharmacological validation of the BALB/c neophobia in the free exploratory paradigm as an animal model of trait anxiety

The present experiments were aimed at investigating the ability of established or putative anxiolytics to reduce the neophobia exhibited by BALB/c mice in the free exploratory paradigm. Results confirm the anxiolytic effects of the benzodiazepine receptor full agonist chlordiazepoxide (2.5-7.5 mg/kg), of meprobamate (15-60 mg/kg) and of ethanol (0.5-1.5 g/kg) and extend the pharmacological action of these compounds to a test situation devoid of anxiogenic components, that is to trait anxiety. The non-competitive NMDA antagonist MK 801 (0.04-0.16 mg/kg) elicited very similar behavioural effects. However, the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists yohimbine (0.5-2 mg/kg) and idazoxan (0.3-2.7 mg/kg), the barbiturate pentobarbital (3.75-30 mg/kg), the mixed 5HT2 receptor antagonist ritanserin (0.25-4 mg/kg) and the D2 dopaminergic antagonist sulpiride (8-32 mg/kg) failed to decrease neophobia in BALB/c mice. The discussion focuses on the adequacy of this animal model of human pathology. The BALB/c neophobia may not model panic attacks because of the absence of worsening by the panic-provoking agent yohimbine and the lack of attenuation by CCK-B receptor antagonists. Because of its chronicity, this paradigm may model generalized anxiety, a pathology that has been suggested to overlap trait anxiety.

Direct interaction of the calcium sensor protein synaptotagmin I with a cytoplasmic domain of the alpha1A subunit of the P/Q-type calcium channel

Synaptotagmins are synaptic vesicle proteins containing two calcium-binding C2 domains which are involved in coupling calcium influx through voltage-gated channels to vesicle fusion and exocytosis of neurotransmitters. The interaction of synaptotagmins with native P/Q-type calcium channels was studied in solubilized synaptosomes from rat cerebellum. Antibodies against synaptotagmins I and II, but not IV co-immunoprecipitated [125I]omega-conotoxin MVIIC-labelled calcium channels. Direct interactions were studied between in vitro-translated [35S]synaptotagmin I and fusion proteins containing cytoplasmic loops of the alpha1A subunit (BI isoform). Gel overlay revealed the association of synaptotagmin I with a single region (residues 780-969) located in the intracellular loop connecting homologous domains II and III. Saturable calcium-independent binding occurred with equilibrium dissociation constants of 70 nM and 340 nM at 4 degrees C and pH 7.4, and association was blocked by addition of excess recombinant synaptotagmin I. Direct synaptotagmin binding to the pore-forming subunit of the P/Q-type channel may optimally locate the calcium-binding sites that initiate exocytosis within a zone of voltage-gated calcium entry.

Developmental regulation of synaptotagmin I, II, III, and IV mRNAs in the rat CNS

Synaptotagmin I is an abundant synaptic vesicle protein that has an essential function in mediating Ca2+-triggered neurotransmitter release. We have analyzed the distribution of four neural synaptotagmin isoforms during postnatal development of the rat CNS by in situ hybridization. Synaptotagmin I, II, III, and IV genes have distinct patterns of spatiotemporal expression except in cerebellum granule cells, where the four transcripts were detected during the formation of parallel fiber/Purkinje cell synapses. Throughout development synaptotagmin I mRNAs were widely expressed in brain, whereas synaptotagmin II transcripts were predominant in spinal cord. At all stages synaptotagmin III mRNAs were expressed uniformly in most neurons examined, although at a low level. Synaptotagmin I, II, and III gene expressions mainly increased during development and persisted in adulthood, mirroring neuronal differentiation. Conversely, synaptotagmin IV transcripts were predominant during perinatal development in a heterogeneous population of neurons and subsequently were expressed uniformly at a low level. Intense labeling was observed in the hippocampal CA3 field and in the subiculum, but not in the CA1 field, of the newborn rat. In cerebral cortex, lamina-specific labeling was detected with a high expression in cell layer V. Only a small number of Purkinje cell clusters were labeled in the flocculus and paraflocculus of the cerebellum. Heterogeneous sets of neurons expressing synaptotagmin IV gene also were observed in spinal cord. We thus speculate that synaptotagmin IV may a play a role in the development of the mammalian nervous system.

Naloxone blocks long-term depression of excitatory transmission in rat CA1 hippocampus in vitro

In rat hippocampal slices, high intensity tetanic stimulation (two 1 s trains of 100 Hz separated by 20 s, 3-5X intensity of the test stimulus) of the Schaffer collateral-commissural (SCC) fibers induced a long-term depression (LTD) of the negative field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) in stratum radiatum of the CA1 region. The initial slope of the fEPSP, evoked by a single test shock applied to the SCC fibers, was depressed for a period longer than 40 min following such high intensity tetanic stimulation to this fiber system. However, the same tetanic stimulation delivered at low (test) intensity induced long-term potentiation (LTP) of the fEPSPs. Thus, similar patterns of stimulation can induce either LTP or LTD, depending on whether low- or high-intensity tetanic stimuli are delivered. The LTD induced by high strength tetanic stimulation was clearly blocked by the opioid antagonist naloxone (1 microM); however, the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist D-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate (AP5; 50 microM) had no effect on the LTD. Our data suggest that the strong stimulation used for LTD induction may have activated other afferent fiber systems and/or local interneurons in addition to SCC fibers, such as the enkephalin-containing terminals of the perforant path (PP) projecting to the stratum lacunosum moleculare or opioid peptide-containing interneurons. Thus, the resulting release of endogenous opioid peptides could play a role in the cellular mechanisms involved in some forms of long-term synaptic depression.

Allosteric modulation by single enantiomers of a C3-chiral 1,4-benzodiazepine of the gamma aminobutyric acid type A receptor channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with Poly(A)(+)-RNA isolated from neuronal tissue express membrane proteins peculiar to the origin of mRNA. The translation of gamma aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors has been shown by dose/ response behavior of GABA and the reversible blockade of the GABA-induced current by picrotoxin. This current was analyzed quantitatively under two electrode voltage-clamp conditions. This methodology has been applied for the first time to study the functional properties of the receptor as a function of the stereochemistry of the ligands. The (+)-S and (-)-R enantiomers of a water-soluble benzodiazepine derivative, 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-3-hemisuccinyloxy-5-phenyl-1,4-benzodiazep in-2-one (OXHEM), obtained by preparative high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) resolution on chiral stationary phase, act as agonists in the in vitro modulation of the chloride channel. The (+)-S-OXHEM enantiomer was the more active.

Low ethanol concentrations enhance GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in hippocampal pyramidal neurons only after block of GABAB receptors

Despite considerable evidence that ethanol can enhance chloride flux through the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA/A/) receptor-channel complex in several central neuron types, the effect of ethanol on hippocampal GABAergic systems is still controversial. Therefore, we have reevaluated this interaction in hippocampal pyramidal neurons subjected to local monosynaptic activation combined with pharmacological isolation of the various components of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic potentials, using intracellular current- and voltage-clamp recording methods in the hippocampal slice. In accord with our previous findings, we found that ethanol had little effect on compound inhibitory postsynaptic potentials/currents (IPSP/Cs) containing both GABA/A/ and GABA/B/ components. However, after selective pharmacological blockade of the GABA/B/ component of the IPSP (GABA/B/-IPSP/C) by CGP-35348, low concentrations of ethanol (22-66 mM) markedly enhanced the peak amplitude, and especially the area, of the GABA/A/ component (GABA/A/-IPSP/C) in most CA1 pyramidal neurons. Ethanol had no significant effect on the peak amplitude or area of the pharmacologically isolated GABA/B/-inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC). These results provide new data showing that activation of GABAB receptors can obscure ethanol enhancement of GABA/A/ receptor function in hippocampus and suggest that similar methods of pharmacological isolation might be applied to other brain regions showing negative or mixed ethanol-GABA interactions.

Modulation of electrically elicited blink reflex components by visual and acoustic prestimuli in man

The effects of a prestimulus on the electrically elicited blink reflex components were investigated in 20 healthy subjects. In the first group of 10 subjects (warned group), electric shocks were delivered in isolation or preceded, at an interstimulus interval (ISI) of 0.1 s, 1 s, or 10 s, by a visual or acoustic warning stimulus. In the second group of 10 subjects (unwarned group), the electric shocks were delivered either in isolation or preceded, at the same ISI, by visual or acoustic stimuli having no warning value. The modulation of the three blink reflex components was then analysed. Compared to the baseline condition, the R1 oligosynaptic component was enhanced at 0.1 s and 1 s ISI, in the warned group with the visual prestimulus, but only at 0.1 s after a visual and acoustic prestimulus in the unwarned group. On the contrary, the polysynaptic responses showed a different course: R2 was significantly reduced at the 0.1 s interval in the warned group with both the prestimuli, and only with the visual prestimulus in the unwarned group. The R3 was inhibited at all three intervals with the visual prestimulus, and at the 0.1 s and 1 s with the acoustic one in the warned group, and only at 0.1 s in the unwarned group, both after visual and acoustic prestimuli. The decrement in R2 and R3 observed with the shortest interval was probably related to the prepulse inhibition of startle reflex. Furthermore, only R3 was still inhibited at longer intervals, when the sustained processes of attention may have influenced this component. Perhaps this combination of events represents, in the warned group, the best preparation for voluntary reflex reaction.

The beta-carboline derivative DMCM decreases gamma-aminobutyric acid responses and Ca(2+)-mediated K(+)-conductance in rat neocortical neurons in vitro

Electrophysiological recordings from neurons of rat frontal neocortical slices have been used to investigate the action of the beta-carboline methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta- carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM), on responses to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and on the excitability of the neurons. Iontophoretic application of GABA close to the intracellularly recorded cells (resting membrane potential -74 +/- 0.9 mV) elicited a depolarization associated with a decrease of input resistance, mediated by GABAA receptors. Bath application of DMCM (0.1-1 microM) reduced these GABA responses decreasing the affinity of the receptors for GABA. This effect was blocked by the benzodiazepine receptor (BZR) antagonist ZK 93426 (1 microM). DMCM (0.1 microM) also decreased the hyperpolarization that followed a train of action potentials (AHP), mediated by Ca(2+)-dependent K+ conductance, and increased the duration of Ca(2+)-dependent action potentials recorded after blockade of Na+ and K+ conductances. Neither effect was blocked by BZR antagonists. These results indicate that DMCM increases the excitability of neurons not only by reducing the gain of the GABAA/BZR complex, but also by modulating intrinsic membrane mechanisms.

Isolated blunt liver trauma: is nonoperative treatment justified?

During the past 8 years 13 children with isolated blunt liver trauma were managed nonoperatively. All patients selected for this management were hemodynamically stable after initial resuscitation and were without signs of other associated intraabdominal injuries on ultrasonogram and/or computed tomography. Patients were observed in an intensive care unit for at least 48 hours with repeated clinical assessments, laboratory studies, and bed rest. One patient with type 3 injury was operated on 8 days after injury because of sudden intraperitoneal bleeding on ambulation. Five patients required blood transfusions of not more than 300 mL per patient. Laboratory values returned to normal from 7 to 21 days after injury. Resolution of hepatic injury on ultrasonogram took from 1 to 3 months. Complete bed rest was prescribed for at least 10 days depending on the type of injury, with restricted activities up to 3 months postinjury. No complications were seen in this series.

Change in neuronal excitability in hippocampal sections of rats isolated after the destruction of the medial septal area

The influence of chronic destruction of the medial septal area (MSA) on focal potentials (FP) of field CA1 evoked by stimulation of Schaffer collaterals was studied in experiments on viable sections of the hippocampus of rats. The preparation, incubation, and pickup of FP of the sections of the control and experimental groups were carried out in identical conditions using traditional methods. The amplitude-temporal of population EPSP and population spikes, their interdependence, and their dependence on the strength of the stimulating current were assessed using automated data analysis. It was demonstrated that coagulation of the MSA is accompanied by an increase in the excitability of neuronal complexes of the lateral portion of field CA1 which is manifested by the generation of multiple rhythmic discharges and the development of spike activity of the cells at a lower intensity of the synaptic inflow. It is hypothesized that destruction of the MSA leads to a relative attenuation of inhibitory control in the neuronal systems of field CA1, the elements of which are depolarized with anomalous synchronicity and generate rhythmic impulse trains.

[Changes in the neuronal excitability of rat hippocampal slices isolated after destruction of the medial septal area]

To determine if electrophysiological properties of hippocampal pathways are altered after medial septal area (MSA) destruction, extracellular recordings were made from hippocampal slices of rats 30 days following lesion and compared with those from unoperated controls. The preparation of slices, data accumulation and data analyses were done under the same conditions. The electrophysiological parameters of interest were the population spike (PS) and the field EPSP, produced in the CA1 pyramidal layer by stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals. The principal finding of this study was that neuronal excitability in slices from MSA-lesioned rats was altered. The most striking abnormalities were an epileptiform activity, which consisted of multiple PSs, and multiple seizure-like after discharges with a delayed onset to low stimulation intensities. In the CA1 region of the slices collected from lesioned rats the input-output curve of field EPSP versus PS showed a leftward shift as compared with their counterparts in normal slices. These changes may be related to relative reduction of inhibitory processes in interneuronal circuits of CA1 region.

Effects of cyclic nucleotides and calcium/calmodulin on protein phosphorylation in the CNS of Hirudo medicinalis

Protein phosphorylation plays an important role in the regulation of neural functions. We have studied the phosphorylation of proteins in homogenates of segmental ganglia of the leech Hirudo medicinalis. We describe a number of proteins whose phosphorylation is dependent on calcium/calmodulin or cyclic nucleotides. Most of the proteins whose phosphorylation is increased in the presence of calcium seem to be substrates for cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases. Only two of the phosphoproteins described appear to be specific substrates for calcium/calmodulin protein kinase(s), and at least six phosphoproteins appear to be specific substrates for cyclic nucleotide-dependent kinase(s). The leech nervous system, with large and identifiable neurons, provides a good tool for studies of neural functions, such as learning. The results are discussed in the context of the role of protein phosphorylation on learning processes.