Dopaminergic innervation of interneurons in the rat basolateral amygdala

The basolateral nuclear complex of the amygdala (BLC) receives a dense dopaminergic innervation that plays a critical role in the formation of emotional memory. Dopamine has been shown to influence the activity of BLC GABAergic interneurons, which differentially control the activity of pyramidal cells. However, little is known about how dopaminergic inputs interface with different interneuronal subpopulations in this region. To address this question, dual-labeling immunohistochemical techniques were used at the light and electron microscopic levels to examine inputs from tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH+) dopaminergic terminals to two different interneuronal populations in the rat basolateral nucleus labeled using antibodies to parvalbumin (PV) or calretinin (CR). The basolateral nucleus exhibited a dense innervation by TH+ axons. Partial serial section reconstruction of TH+ terminals found that at least 43-50% of these terminals formed synaptic junctions in the basolateral nucleus. All of the synapses examined were symmetrical. In both TH/PV and TH/CR preparations the main targets of TH+ terminals were spines and distal dendrites of unlabeled cells. In sections dual-labeled for TH/PV 59% of the contacts of TH+ terminals with PV+ neurons were synapses, whereas in sections dual-labeled for TH/CR only 13% of the contacts of TH+ terminals with CR+ cells were synapses. In separate preparations examined in complete serial sections for TH+ basket-like innervation of PV+ perikarya, most (76.2%) of TH+ terminal contacts with PV+ perikarya were synapses. These findings suggest that PV+ interneurons, but not CR+ interneurons, are prominent synaptic targets of dopaminergic terminals in the BLC.     

Dopaminergic innervation and binding in the rat cerebellum

In the present study, we used an antiserum against dopamine (DA), and specific [³H]ligands in order to shed more light on the dopaminergic system of the rat cerebellum. The immunocytochemical approach showed that the entire rat cerebellum is innervated by DA fibers. All cerebellar layers were found to receive a considerable amount of DA afferents but the molecular layer was the most heavily innervated. The analysis of [³H]DA and [³H]spiperone binding showed that in the rat cerebellum there exists DAergic binding with kinetic parameters similar to those reported for the mouse cerebellum. The results of the present study support the existence of a DA system in the rat cerebellum.     

CaMKⅡ在氧化应激中对心房重构的影响

<正>心房颤动(atrial fibrillation,AF)简称房颤,是临床上最常见的快速性心律失常之一,心房结构重构和电重构是房颤发生发展的症结所在。虽然房颤时心房发生重构的机制尚不清楚,但氧化应激对于引起心房肌细胞内Ca2+负载、调控离子通道从而缩短心房有效不应期(atrial effective refractory period,AERP)和动作电位时程(action potential duration,     

Distribution of synapses on an intracellularly labeled small pyramidal neuron in the cat motor cortex

Summary The morphological characteristics and distribution of synapses on a small pyramidal neuron in layer III of the cat motor cortex have been studied by combining intracellular HRP staining and electron microscopic examination. The stained neuron showed spiny apical and basal dendritic profiles under the light microscope, and exhibited the morphological features of a pyramidal neuron. Ultrastructural analysis indicated that about 80% of the presynaptic terminals formed asymmetrical synapses with spines of distal apical and basal dendrites. On proximal apical dendrites, 64% of the synapses were found to make contact with spines, and 16.7% of the synapses were of symmetrical type and formed with dendritic shafts. Two types of terminal could be identified on the soma; they were alternately located and established symmetrical and asymmetrical synaptic contacts respectively. Possible functional implications are discussed.This paper is dedicated to Professor Fred Walberg on the occasion of his 70th birthday.     

钙调蛋白激酶Ⅱ的结构及其在神经系统中的作用

钙离子（Ca²⁺ ）是通过局部信号获得特异性刺激的关键细胞内信使分子。Ca²⁺ 结合蛋白,如钙调蛋白（CaM）及其靶蛋白是Ca²⁺ 依赖性反应信号传导的关键靶点。钙/钙调蛋白依赖性蛋白酶Ⅱ（CaMKⅡ）是一种多聚体酶,它是哺乳动物前脑总蛋白的重要组成部分,并且是形成突触后致密部的主要成分。近年来国内外研究显示,CaMKⅡ包含α、β、γ 和 δ 4种亚型,其中α 和 β 主要在神经组织中表达,而 γ 和 δ 则在全身多种组织均有表达,它们参与特定的突触可塑性和记忆巩固过程,对神经系统的兴奋性及一些神经系统疾病的发生起重要作用。前期也有研究表明CaMKⅡδ在促进神经元存活中起重要作用。本文就CaMKⅡ的结构及其在神经系统中的作用和与相关神经系统疾病的关系作一综述。     

Agmatine containing axon terminals in rat hippocampus form synapses on pyramidal cells

We examined the cellular and subcellular localization of agmatine in the hippocampal CA1 region by immunocytochemistry. By light microscopy, agmatine-like immunoreactivity (agmatine-LI) was found primarily in the perikarya and dendritic profiles of pyramidal cells and in punctate processes preponderantly in stratum radiatum. Electron microscopy revealed that agmatine-LI was cytoplasmic and concentrated in ‘clusters' associated with mitochondria and tubular vesicles. In stratum radiatum, agmatine-LI was primarily in axons and axon terminals associated with small, synaptic vesicles. The terminals almost exclusively formed asymmetric synapses on the spines of dendrites, many of which originated from pyramidal cells. Some agmatine-LI also was present in shafts and spines of pyramidal cell dendrites and in astrocytic processes. The results demonstrate that agmatine in the hippocampus is found primarily in terminals forming excitatory (asymmetric) synapses on pyramidal cells, some of which contain agmatine-LI. These findings further implicate agmatine as an endogenous neurotransmitter which may be co-stored with -glutamate and may act in part in the rat hippocampus as a blocker of the N-methyl- -aspartate receptor and nitric oxide synthase.     

The cholinergic innervation of the rat substantia nigra: a light and electron microscopic immunohistochemical study

Summary Putative cholinergic axons and synaptic endings were demonstrated in the substantia nigra (SN) of the rat by light and electron microscopy on the basis of the localization of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity. The distribution of ChAT immunoreactivity in the SN as demonstrated by light microscopy revealed a modest network of ChAT-immunoreactive beaded axons in the SNc, in comparison to a relatively sparse distribution in the SNr. These axonal profiles were most dense in the middle of the rostral-caudal extent of the SNc and appeared to be concentrated in the middle third of the medial-lateral extent. By electron microscopy, unmyelinated, small diameter (0.25 m) ChAT-immuno-reactive axons were observed interspersed among numerous other non-immunoreactive axons in the SNc. ChAT-immunoreactive synaptic endings were observed in juxtaposition to small caliber (0.5 m) non-immunoreactive dendrites, and contained numerous spheroidal synaptic vesicles and occasional mitochondria. Synaptic contact zones were characterized by an accumulation of synaptic vesicles along the presynaptic membrane, and a prominent postsynaptic densification producing an asymmetrical pre-/postsynaptic membrane profile typical of excitatory synapses. These findings provide direct evidence for a cholinergic innervation of the SN, and suggest that this input may have an excitatory effect on neuronal elements in the SNc.     

精氨酸加压素对大鼠视前区GABA_A受体亚单位磷酸化的影响

目的:研究精氨酸加压素(AVP)对大鼠视前区γ-氨基丁酸(GABA)A型受体(GABA_A受体)亚单位(α、β和γ2)表达和磷酸化的影响。方法:实验分为对照组、AVP组、V1a受体抑制剂+AVP组和V1a受体抑制剂组(均n=10);腹腔注射AVP或V1a受体抑制剂0.5 h后,采用RT-qPCR和Western blot法检测视前区GABA_A受体亚单位(α、β和γ2)表达及磷酸化的变化。结果:与对照组相比,AVP或V1a受体抑制剂组大鼠视前区GABA_A受体亚单位表达均无显著变化;AVP能显著上调视前区GABA_A受体γ2亚单位的磷酸化水平(P0.05);AVP显著增加蛋白激酶C(PKC)和钙/钙调蛋白依赖性蛋白激酶Ⅱ(CaMKⅡ)表达和磷酸化(P0.01)。结论:外源性AVP不影响GABA_A受体亚单位(α、β和γ2)表达,但主要通过V1a受体激活PKC和CaMKⅡ,影响γ2亚单位磷酸化水平,从而调制视前区GABA_A受体介导的抑制性突触传递。     

Muscarinic activation of a non-selective cationic conductance in pyramidal neurons in rat basolateral amygdala

In the present study, a cationic membrane conductance activated by the acetylcholine agonist carbachol was characterized in vitro in neurons of the basolateral amygdala. Extracellular perfusion of the K+ channel blockers Ba2+ and Cs+ or loading of cells with cesium acetate did not affect the carbachol-induced depolarization. Similarly, superfusion with low-Ca2+ solution plus Ba2+ and intracellular EGTA did not affect the carbachol-induced depolarization, suggesting a Ca2+-independent mechanism. On the other hand, the carbachol-induced depolarization was highly sensitive to changes in extracellular K+ or Na+. When the K+ concentration in the perfusion medium was increased from 4.7 to 10 mM, the response to carbachol increased in amplitude. In contrast, lowering the extracellular Na+ concentration from 143.2 to 29 mM abolished the response in a reversible manner. Results of coapplication of carbachol and atropine, pirenzepine or gallamine indicate that the carbachol-induced depolarization was mediated by muscarinic cholinergic receptors, but not the muscarinic receptor subtypes M1, M2 or M4, specifically. These data indicate that, in addition to the previously described reduction of a time- and voltage-independent K+ current (IKleak), a voltage- and time-dependent K+ current (IM), a slow Ca2+-activated K+ current (sIahp) and the activation of a hyperpolarization-activated inward rectifier K+ current (IQ), carbachol activated a Ca2+-independent non-selective cationic conductance that was highly sensitive to extracellular K+ and Na+ concentrations.     

Characterisation of axon terminals in the rat dorsal horn that are immunoreactive for serotonin 5-HT3A receptor subunits

Serotonin 5-HT₃ receptors are abundant in the superficial dorsal horn and are likely to have an involvement in processing of nociceptive information. It has been shown previously that 5-HT₃ receptors are present on primary afferent terminals and some dorsal horn cells. The primary aim of the present study was to determine what classes of primary afferent possess 5-HT₃A receptor subunits. We performed a series of double- and triple-labelling immunofluorescence experiments. Subunits were labelled with an anti-peptide antibody and primary afferent axons were identified by the presence of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and binding of the lectin IB4. Quantitative confocal microscopic analysis revealed that approximately 10% of axons displaying 5-HT₃A immunoreactivity were also labelled for CGRP but that only 3% of these fibres bind IB4. We also investigated the relationship between immunoreactivity for the subunit and descending serotoninergic systems, axons originating from inhibitory neurons that contain glutamic acid decarboxylase, and axons of a subpopulation of excitatory neurons that contain neurotensin. None of these types of axon was associated with immunoreactivity for receptor subunits. Ultrastructural studies confirmed that punctate immunoreactive structures observed with the light microscope were axon terminals. These terminals invariably formed asymmetric synaptic junctions with dendritic profiles and often contained a mixture of granular and agranular vesicles. Some terminals formed glomerular-like arrangements. Immunoreactive cells were also examined and were found to contain intense patches of reaction product within the cytoplasm. We conclude that the majority (about 87%) of dorsal horn axons that are immunoreactive for 5-HT₃A receptor subunits do not originate from the subtypes of primary afferent fibres that bind IB4 or contain CGRP. It is likely that most of these axons have an excitatory action and they may originate from dorsal horn interneurons and/or fine myelinated primary afferent fibres. Electronic Publication     

钙/钙调蛋白依赖性蛋白激酶Ⅱ在大鼠生后海马发育中的表达

目的 探讨Wistar大鼠生后海马发育过程中钙/钙调蛋白依赖性蛋白激酶Ⅱ（CaMKⅡ）的表达。 方法 应用免疫荧光方法检测CaMKⅡ在生后不同时期大鼠海马CA1、CA3区和齿状回（DG）中的表达情况（n =48）。结果 CaMKⅡ于生后各期海马CA1区和DG的表达逐渐增强,生后第10天（P10）达高峰期,此后逐渐减弱;于CA3区的表达在P4和P10时均较高。其中,CaMKⅡ在CA3区的表达高于在CA1区和DG的表达,在多形层和分子层的表达高于在锥体细胞层或颗粒细胞层的表达。结论 CaMKⅡ在CA1、CA3区和DG中的表达具有特异性的时空分布模式,这可能与其在生后发育过程中的突触发生,树突、轴突形成,海马的成熟以及学习记忆功能相关。     

KN-93, an inhibitor of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV,promotes generation and function of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in MRL/lpr mice

Abstract

Objective: Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells (T_reg) are pivotal for the maintenance of peripheral tolerance and prevent development of autoimmune diseases. We have reported that calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMK4) deficient MRL/lpr mice display less disease activity by promoting IL-2 production and increasing the activity of T_reg cells. To further define the mechanism of CaMK4 on T_reg cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we used the Foxp3-GFP reporter mice and treated them with KN-93, an inhibitor of CaMK4. Methods: We generated MRL/lpr Foxp3-GFP mice to record T_reg cells; stimulated naïve CD4⁺ T cells from MRL/lpr Foxp3-GFP mice under T_reg polarizing conditions in the absence or presence of KN-93; evaluated the number of GFP positive cells in lymphoid organs and examined skin and kidney pathology at 16 weeks of age. We also examined the infiltration of cells and recruitment of T_reg cells in the kidney. Results: We show that culture of MRL/lpr Foxp3-GFP T cells in the presence of KN-93 promotes T_reg differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of MRL/lpr Foxp3-GFP mice with KN-93 results in a significant induction of T_reg cells in the spleen, peripheral lymph nodes and peripheral blood and this is accompanied by decreased skin and kidney damage. Notably, KN-93 clearly diminishes the accumulation of inflammatory cells along with reciprocally increased T_reg cells in target organ. Conclusion: Our results indicate that KN-93 treatment enhances the generation of T_reg cells in vitro and in vivo highlighting its potential therapeutic use for the treatment of human autoimmune diseases.     

The postsynaptic targets of substance P-immunoreactive terminals in the rat neostriatum with particular reference to identified spiny striatonigral neurons

Summary Substance P-immunoreactive boutons were examined in the electron microscope in sections of the rat neostriatum that contained retrogradely labelled striatonigral neurons and/or Golgi-impregnated medium-size densely spiny neurons. The postsynaptic targets of the immunoreactive boutons were characterized on the basis of ultrastructural features, their projection to the substantia nigra and/or their somato-dendritic morphology. Substance P-immunoreactive axonal boutons formed symmetrical synaptic specializations. Of a total of 233 randomly identified synaptic boutons 72.5% made contact with dendritic shafts, 15% with dendritic spines and 10.7% with perikarya. The ultrastructural characteristics of some of the postsynaptic neuronal perikarya were consistent with their identification as striatal interneurons. Similarly, the observation of some of the substance P-containing terminals in contact with spines, spine-bearing dendritic shafts and perikarya with the ultrastructural characteristics of medium-size densely spiny neurons suggested that one of the targets of substance P-positive terminals are striatal projection neurons. Direct evidence for this was obtained in sections from rats that had received injections of horseradish peroxidase conjugated with wheatgerm agglutinin in the substantia nigra. The perikarya of retrogradely labeled striatonigral neurons were found to receive symmetrical synaptic input from substance P-positive boutons. Ultrastructural analysis of Golgi-impregnated medium-size densely spiny neurons, some of which were also retrogradely labeled from the substantia nigra, demonstrated directly that this class of neuron was postsynaptic to the substance P-immunoreactive boutons. The combination of Golgi-impregnation with substance P-immunocytochemistry made it possible to study the pattern or topography of the substance P-positive input to medium size densely spiny neurons. The substance P-containing boutons made contact predominantly with perikarya and dendritic shafts. This pattern of input is markedly different from that of other identified inputs to medium-size densely spiny neurons.     

Catecholamine-containing axon terminals in the hypoglossal nucleus of the rat: an immuno-electronmicroscopic study

Summary A correlative light and electron microscopic investigation was undertaken to determine the morphology and distribution of catecholamine (CA)-containing axon terminals in the hypoglossal nucleus (XII) of the rat. This was accomplished immunocytochemically with antibody to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The major findings in this study were the following: 1) Immunoreactive profiles were found throughout XII and included unmyelinated axons, varicosities, axon terminals and dendrites; 2) Nonsynaptic immunoreactive profiles (preterminal axons, varicosities) were more frequently observed (55.2%) than synaptic profiles (43.5%); 3) CA-containing axon terminals ending on dendrites were more numerous (71.8%) than those synapsing on somata (25.4%) or nonlabeled axon terminals (2.7%); 4) The morphology of labeled axon terminals was variable. Axodendritic terminals typically contained numerous small, round agranular vesicles, a few large dense-core vesicles and were associated with either a symmetric or no synaptic specialization, axosomatic terminals were often associated with a presynaptic membrane thickening or a symmetric synaptic specialization and contained small, round and a few elliptical-shaped vesicles, while axoaxonic synapses formed asymmetric postsynaptic specializations; and 5) CA-positive dendritic processes were identified in XII. These findings confirm the CA innervation of XII, and suggest a complex, multifunctional role for CA in controlling oro-lingual motor behavior.     

Noradrenergic innervation of vasopression-containing neurons in the rat hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus

The noradrenergic innervation of vasopressin (VP)-containing neurons in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the rat hypothalamus was studied electron microscopically by using double-labeling immunocytochemistry combining the pre-embedding peroxidase-anti-peroxidase method with post-embedding immunocolloidal gold staining. Noradrenaline-like immunoreactive axon terminals were found to make synaptic contacts with neurophysin II-like immunoreactive neurons in the SON. This study provides morphological evidence for noradrenergic control of neuronal activity of VP-containing neurons at the SON level.     

系统性红斑狼疮中内皮细胞相关自身抗原的鉴定

目的在内皮细胞中筛选与系统性红斑狼疮(systemic lupus erythematosus,SLE)疾病相关的自身抗原。方法用免疫沉淀法以SLE病人血清中自身抗体捕获人脐带内皮细胞(human umbilical vein endothelial cell,HUVEC)相关抗原,并用双向电泳法分离免疫沉淀产物,然后用LC-MS-MS串联质谱鉴定与SLE病人血清反应的蛋白点。最后用Western blot法验证部分鉴定蛋白。结果相对于正常人血清对照,SLE病人血清捕获了多个内皮细胞相关蛋白,质谱鉴定结果显示:通过免疫沉淀与双向电泳结合的方法成功鉴定了包括GAPDH等已知SLE自身抗原在内的一系列蛋白,其中钙/钙调蛋白依赖性丝氨酸蛋白激酶(calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase,CASK)为新发现SLE候选自身抗原。并以重组人CASK蛋白证实SLE病人血清中CASK抗体水平显著高于正常人对照。结论内皮细胞蛋白CASK可能作为一个新的SLE相关自身抗原。     

Retinal axons innervate the embryonic chick diencephalon in an in-vivo-like pattern in expiant co-cultures

Summary Explants of chick embryo diencephalon co-cultured with explants of retina display areas of complex neuropil containing large retinal-like endings which establish synaptic contact with conventional and presynaptic dendrites. Transection of fibre bundles linking retinal to diencephalic explants results in the degeneration of endings of this type, suggesting that axons of extrinsic (retinal) origin innervate the diencephalic explants in an in-vivo-like manner.