Molecular effects of interleukin-1β on dorsal root ganglion neurons: prevention of ligand-induced internalization of the bradykinin 2 receptor and downregulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2

In dorsal root ganglion sections numerous small-to medium-sized neurons were found to exhibit extensive colocalization of the bradykinin receptor 2, the interleukin-1 receptor 1 and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2. Application of bradykinin to cultured DRG neurons caused substantial internalization of the bradykinin 2 receptor which significantly reduced the responsiveness of DRG neurons to a second application of bradykinin. Such an internalization was not observed in DRG neurons which were exposed to long-term pretreatment with interleukin-1β. The long-term incubation with interleukin-1β on its own did neither change the proportion of neurons which expressed the bradykinin 2 receptor in the cytoplasma nor the proportion of neurons expressing the bradykinin 2 receptor in the membrane but it reduced the proportion of neurons expressing G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2, an enzyme which facilitates the internalization of G protein-coupled receptors. These results show that interleukin-1β maintains the responsiveness of DRG neurons to bradykinin in the long-term range, and they suggest that the downregulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 could be a cellular mechanism involved in this interleukin-1β effect.     

Parkinson’s disease: lesions in dorsal horn layer I,involvement of parasympathetic and sympathetic pre- and postganglionic neurons

Clinical signs frequently recognized in early phases of sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD) may include autonomic dysfunctions and the experience of pain. Early disease-related lesions that may account for these symptoms are presently unknown or incompletely known. In this study, immunocytochemistry for α-synuclein was used to investigate the first relay stations of the pain system as well as parasympathetic and sympathetic pre- and postganglionic nerve cells in the lower brainstem, spinal cord, and coeliac ganglion in 100 μm polyethylene glycol embedded sections from six autopsy individuals, whose brains were staged for PD-associated synucleinopathy. Immunoreactive inclusions were found for the first time in spinal cord lamina I neurons. Lower portions of the spinal cord downwards of the fourth thoracic segment appeared to be predominantly affected, whereas the spinal trigeminal nucleus was virtually intact. Additional involvement was seen in parasympathetic preganglionic projection neurons of the vagal nerve, in sympathetic preganglionic neurons of the spinal cord, and in postganglionic neurons of the coeliac ganglion. The known interconnectivities between all of these components offer a possible explanation for their particular vulnerability. Lamina I neurons (pain system) directly project upon sympathetic relay centers, and these, in turn, exert influence on the parasympathetic regulation of the enteric nervous system. This constellation indicates that physical contacts between vulnerable regions play a key role in the pathogenesis of PD.     

Effect of type-2 astrocytes on the viability of dorsal root ganglion neurons and length of neuronal processes简

The role of type-2 astrocytes in the repair of central nervous system injury remains poorly un- derstood. In this study, using a relatively simple culture condition in vitro, type-2 astrocytes, differentiated from oligodendrocyte precursor cells by induction with bone morphogenetic pro- tein-4, were co-cultured with dorsal root ganglion neurons. We examined the effects of type-2 astrocytes differentiated from oligodendrocyte precursor cells on the survival and growth of dorsal root ganglion neurons. Results demonstrated that the number of dorsal root ganglion neurons was higher following co-culture of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and type-2 astrocytes than when cultured alone, but lower than that of neurons co-cultured with type-1 astrocytes. The length of the longest process and the length of all processes of a single neuron were shortest in neurons cultured alone, followed by neurons co-cultured with type-2 astroc~es, then neurons co-cultured with oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and longest in neurons co-cultured with type-1 astrocytes. These results indicate that co-culture with type-2 astrocytes can increase neuronal survival rate and process length. However, compared with type-1 astrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells, the promotion effects of type-2 astrocytes on the growth of dorsal root ganglion neurons were weaker.     

Dual effects of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine （ecstasy） on survival and apoptosis of primary hippocampal neurons

BACKGROUND： 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine （MDMA, also known as ＂ecstasy＂） has been shown to exhibit neurotoxic effects on the hippocampus. However, exposure to sub-lethal insults of MDMA has been reported to result in neuroprotection. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of MDMA on hippocampal neuronal viability, caspase-3 activity, and mRNA expression of the N-methyI-D-aspartate （NMDA） receptor 2B （NR2B） subunit. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A cytological, in vitro experiment was performed at the Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, and Department of Toxicology-Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2008. MATERIALS： MDMA was extracted from ecstasy tablets, which were kindly supplied by the Pharmacology-Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. METHODS： Hippocampal neurons were isolated from Wistar rats at gestational day 18. Following primary culture, hippocampal neuronal viability was detected by MTT assay. Varying concentrations of MDMA （100-5 000 μmol/L） were used to determine lethal concentration 50 （LC50）, which was around 1 500 μmol/L. Five concentrations of MDMA below 1 500 μmol/L （100, 200, 400, 800, and 1 050 μmol/L） were used for the remaining experiments. After 24 hours of MDMA treatment, NR2B mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR, and caspase-3 relative activity was determined by colorimetric assay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Hippocampal neuronal viability, caspase-3 activity, and NR2B mRNA expression. RESULTS： MDMA-induced neurotoxicity in hippocampal neuronal cultures was dose-dependent. In high concentrations （1 000-5 000μmol/L） of MDMA, neuronal viability was decreased. However, with a 500 μmol/L dose of MDMA, neuronal viability was significantly increased （P 〈 0.01）. Low concentrations of MDMA （200 and 400μmol/L） significantly decreased caspase-3 activity （P 〈 0.01）, whereas high concentrations of MDMA significantly increased caspase-3 activity （P 〈 0.01）. NR2B subunit mRNA expression was not significantly altered after 100 -1 050 μmol/L MDMA exposure. CONCLUSION： MDMA exhibits dual effects on hippocampal neuronal viability and caspase-3 activity. These effects are independent from NR2B subunit expression levels.     

Direct effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on serotonin or dopamine release and uptake in the caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, substantia nigra pars reticulata, and the dorsal raphé nucleus slices

We examined the effects of pressure ejected 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) from a micropipette on direct chemically stimulated release, and on electrically stimulated serotonin (5-HT) or dopamine (DA) release in the caudate putamen (CPu), nucleus accumbens (NAc), substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), and the dorsal raphé nucleus (DRN) brain slices of rat, using fast cyclic voltammetry (FCV). MDMA is electroactive, oxidising at +1100 mV. When the anodic input waveform was reduced from +1.4 to +1.0 volt, MDMA was not electroactive. Using this waveform, pressure ejection of MDMA did not release 5-HT or DA in brain slices prepared from any of the nuclei studied. MDMA significantly potentiated electrically stimulated 5-HT release in the SNr and DA release in CPu. In the DRN or in the NAc, MDMA was without effect on peak electrically stimulated 5-HT or DA release. The rates of neurotransmitter uptake, expressed as t(1/2), were in all cases significantly decreased after MDMA. The results indicate that MDMA, unlike (+)amphetamine, is not as a releaser of DA or 5-HT, it is a potent inhibitor of both DA and 5-HT uptake.     

Effect of amyloid-Β (25–35) in hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic rats,effects on phosphorylation and O-GlcNAcylation of tau protein

Aggregation of the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, which are markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD), have been reported also in diabetes mellitus (DM). One regulator of tau phosphorylation is O-GlcNAcylation, whereas for hyperphosphorylation it could be GSK3beta, which is activated in hyperglycemic conditions. With this in mind, both O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation of tau protein were evaluated in the brain of rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia and treated with the Aß25–35 peptide in the hippocampal region CA1. Weight, glycated hemoglobin, glucose, and insulin were determined. Male Wistar rats were divided in groups (N = 20): a) control, b) treated only with the Aβ25–35 peptide, c) treated with Aβ25–35 and STZ, and d) treated only with STZ. Results showed statistically significant differences in the mean weight, glucose levels, insulin concentration, and HbA1c percentage, between C- and D-treated groups and not STZ-treated A and B (P < 0.05). Interestingly, our results showed diminution of O-GlcNAcylation and increase in P-tau-Ser-396 in the hippocampal area of the Aβ25–35- and STZ-treated groups; moreover, enhanced expression of GSK3beta was observed in this last group. Our results suggest that hyperinsulinemia-Aβ25–35-hyperglycemia is relevant for the down regulation of O-GlcNAcylation and up-regulation of the glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3beta), favoring Aβ25–35-induced neurotoxicity in the brain of rats.     

Effects of GM1-ganglioside and α-sialyl cholesterol on amino acid uptake,protein synthesis,and Na+, K+-ATPase activity in superior cervical and nodose ganglia excised from adult rats

We examined the effect of GM₁-ganglioside in combination with cholera toxin B, and synthetic α-sialyl cholesterol (α-SC) on neutral amino acid (tritiated α-aminoisobutyric acid, [³H]AIB) uptake, protein synthesis ([³H]leucine incorporation), and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity in isolated superior cervical ganglia (SCG) and nodose ganglia (NG) from adult rats after aerobic incubation, usually for 2 h at 37°C in vitro. Cholera toxin B, that specifically masks the oligosaccharide chain of GM₁-ganglioside, antagonized the GM₁-induced changes in [³H]AIB uptake, [³H]leucine incorporation, and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity almost completely in SCG, but partially in NG. Although cholesterol itself had little effect on either [³H]AIB uptake and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity both in SCG and NG, α-SC caused considerable reduction of both amino acid uptake and the transport enzyme activity in each ganglia. However, cholesterol was more effective than α-SC in decreasing [³H]leucine incorporation in either ganglia. Whereas addition of EGTA markedly reduced either GM₁-induced or α-SC-induced change in [³H]leucine incorporation into acid-insoluble fraction in both SCG and NG, application of Ca²⁺ ionophore produced considerable recovery of the protein synthesis from the inhibited level by Ca²⁺-deprivation. ATP and creatine phosphate contents in SCG were elevated by the presence of GM₁ or α-SC, whereas [³H]AIB uptake and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity were inhibited, suggesting that utilization for membrane transport was diminished as a result of GM₁- or α-SC-induced decrease of ATPase activity.     

The effects of isoquinoline carboxamide and melatonin on the differentiation of N1Е-115 mouse neuroblastoma cells (clone C-1300) and on the expression of the TSPO translocation protein and 2’,3’-cyclonucleotide-3’-phosphodiesterase in these cells

We studied the effect of isoquinoline carboxamide (PK11195) applied alone or in combination with melatonin on the differentiation of N1E-115 mouse neuroblastoma cells (clone C-1300). PK11195 is a synthetic ligand of the mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO), which is one of the mitochondrial proteins that are responsible for the opening of the mitochondrial pore (mPTP); expression of this protein is enhanced in different types of cancer cells. PK11195 is considered as a potential anticancer drug. It has been shown that PK11195 at a nontoxic/subtoxic concentration induces the differentiation of the N1Е-115 mouse neuroblastoma cells and suppresses cell proliferation; the magnitude of this effect coincides with the effect induced by melatonin at a nontoxic concentration. The combination of PK11195 with melatonin did not intensify its effect as a differentiation inducer. Based on the results of Western blot analysis, it has been hypothesized that the differentiation of N1Е-115 neuroblastoma cells is associated with the expression of mitochondrial 2’,3’-cyclonucleotide-3’-phosphodiesterase but not with the expression of the mitochondrial translocator protein TSPO.     

In vivo effects of pardoprunox (SLV308), a partial D₂/D₃ receptor and 5-HT1A receptor agonist, on rat dopamine and serotonin neuronal activity

The nonergot ligand pardoprunox (SLV308) is a dopamine (DA) D₂/D₃ and serotonin (5‐HT)_1A receptor agonist and a new candidate for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. We used in vivo electrophysiological paradigm in the rat to assess the effects of pardoprunox on DA neuronal activity in ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) as well as on 5‐HT neuronal activity in dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). In the VTA, pardoprunox (2–20 μg kg^?1, i.v.) decreased partially the firing activity of DA neurons. Interestingly, the bursting activity of VTA DA neurons was completely suppressed. This compound both reversed and prevented the inhibition of firing rate induced by the full D₂‐like receptor agonist apomorphine, confirming its partial D₂‐like receptor agonistic property. Surprisingly in the SNc, pardoprunox (10 μg kg^?1, i.v.) either partially or fully suppressed the firing activity in two separate populations of DA neurons. Finally, in the DRN, pardoprunox (5–40 μg kg^?1, i.v.) completely suppressed the firing activity of 5‐HT neurons. Moreover, the selective 5‐HT_1A receptor antagonist WAY‐100,635 prevented and reversed the effects of pardoprunox. The present study shows that pardoprunox acts in the VTA as a potent partial D₂‐like receptor agonist reducing preferentially the burst activity linked to the phasic activity of DA neurons. Unexpectedly in the SNc, pardoprunox behaves either as apartial or a full D₂‐like receptor agonist. Finally in the DRN, pardoprunox is a potent full 5‐HT_1A receptor agonist. Hence, this in vivo study suggests that pardoprunox represents a promising approach for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Synapse, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Commentary on “The Cerebellar System and What it Signifies from a Biological Perspective: A Communication by Christofredo Jakob (1866–1956) Before the Society of Neurology and Psychiatry of Buenos Aires,December 1938”

This commentary highlights a “cerebellar classic” by a pioneer of neurobiology, Christfried Jakob. Jakob discussed the connectivity between the cerebellum and mesencephalic, diencephalic, and telencephalic structures in an evolutionary, developmental, and histophysiological perspective. He proposed three evolutionary morphofunctional stages, the archicerebellar, paleocerebellar, and neocerebellar; he attributed the reduced cerebellospinal connections in humans, compared to other primates, to the perfection of the rubrolenticular and thalamocortical systems and the intense ascending pathways to the red nucleus in exchange for the more elementary descending efferent pathways. Jakob hypothesized the convergence of cerebellar pathways in associative cortical regions, insisting on the intimate collaboration of the cerebellum with the frontal lobe. The extensive lines of communication between regions throughout the association cortex substantiate Jakob’s intuition and begin to outline the mechanisms for substantial cerebellar involvement in functions beyond the purely motor domain. Atop a foundation of anatomical and phylogenetic mastery, Jakob conceived ideas that were noteworthy, timely, and have much relevance to our current thinking on cerebellar structure and function.     

The effects of vitamin A supplementation for 3 months on adult rat nigrostriatal axis: increased monoamine oxidase enzyme activity, mitochondrial redox dysfunction, increased β-amyloid(1-40) peptide and TNF-α contents, and susceptibility of mitochondria to an in vitro H2O2 challenge

Even though vitamin A has been viewed as an antioxidant molecule, recent findings demonstrate that such vitamin elicits pro-oxidant effects in vivo. Moreover, vitamin A supplements utilization may increase mortality rates among healthy subjects. However, the mechanism by which vitamin A elicits such effects remains to be better analyzed. In this regard, we investigated here the consequences of vitamin A supplementation at 500, 1000, or 2500 IU/kg day(-1) for 3 months on adult rat substantia nigra and striatum total and mitochondrial redox state (both oxidative and nitrosative stress markers), electron transfer chain activity, monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme activity, endoplasmic reticulum stress marker (BiP), α- and β-synucleins, β-amyloid peptide (1-40), dopamine D2 receptor (D2R), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), caspase-3 and caspase-8 enzyme activity and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. Also, nigrostriatal mitochondria were isolated and challenged with 50 μM H2O2 in vitro after vitamin A supplementation and complexes I-III, II-III, and IV enzyme activity was recorded. We observed both total and mitochondrial oxidative and nitrosative stress, increased MAO enzyme activity, and increased levels of α-synuclein, β-amyloid peptide, RAGE, and TNF-α, but decreased D2R in both rat brain areas. Furthermore, vitamin A supplementation induced a decrease in nigral, but not striatal, β-synuclein levels in this work. Moreover, mitochondria isolated from both substantia nigra and striatum of vitamin A-treated rats were more sensitive to H2O2 than control mitochondria as assessed through the in vitro assay. Overall, these data may be useful to explain how vitamin A elicits neurotoxic effects chronically.