PDGFRß-positive cell-mediated post-stroke remodeling of fibronectin and laminin α2 for tissue repair and functional recovery.

Post-stroke intra-infarct repair promotes peri-infarct neural reorganization leading to functional recovery. Herein, we examined the remodeling of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) that constitute the intact basal membrane after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) in mice. Among ECM, collagen type IV remained localized on small vessel walls surrounding CD31-positive endothelial cells within infarct areas. Fibronectin was gradually deposited from peri-infarct areas to the ischemic core, in parallel with the accumulation of PDGFRß-positive cells. Cultured PDGFRß-positive pericytes produced fibronectin, which was enhanced by the treatment with PDGF-BB. Intra-infarct deposition of fibronectin was significantly attenuated in pericyte-deficient Pdgfrb+/-mice. Phagocytic activity of macrophages against myelin debris was significantly enhanced on fibronectin-coated dishes. In contrast, laminin α2, produced by GFAP- and aquaporin 4-positive astrocytes, accumulated strongly in the boundary of peri-infarct areas. Pericyte-conditioned medium increased the expression of laminin α2 in cultured astrocytes, partly through TGFß1. Laminin α2 increased the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells into oligodendrocytes and the expression of myelin-associated proteins. Peri-infarct deposition of laminin α2 was significantly reduced in Pdgfrb+/-mice, with attenuated oligodendrogenesis in peri-infarct areas. Collectively, intra-infarct PDGFRß-positive cells may orchestrate post-stroke remodeling of key ECM that create optimal environments promoting clearance of myelin debris and peri-infarct oligodendrogenesis.

Deletion of Nox4 enhances remyelination following cuprizone-induced demyelination by increasing phagocytic capacity of microglia and macrophages in mice.

NOX4 is a major reactive oxygen species-producing enzyme that modulates cell stress responses. We here examined the effect of Nox4 deletion on demyelination-remyelination, the most common pathological change in the brain. We used a model of cuprizone (CPZ)-associated demyelination-remyelination in wild-type and Nox4-deficient (Nox4-/- ) mice. While the CPZ-induced demyelination in the corpus callosum after 4 weeks of CPZ intoxication was slightly less pronounced in Nox4-/- mice than that in wild-type mice, remyelination following CPZ withdrawal was significantly enhanced in Nox4-/- mice with an increased accumulation of IBA1-positive microglia/macrophages in the demyelinating corpus callosum. Consistently, locomotor function, as assessed by the beam walking test, was significantly better during the remyelination phase in Nox4-/- mice. Nox4 deletion did not affect autonomous growth of primary-culture oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Although Nox4 expression was higher in cultured macrophages than in microglia, Nox4-/- microglia and macrophages both showed enhanced phagocytic capacity of myelin debris and produced increased amounts of trophic factors upon phagocytosis. The expression of trophic factors was higher, in parallel with the accumulation of IBA1-positive cells, in the corpus callosum in Nox4-/- mice than that in wild-type mice. Nox4 deletion suppressed phagocytosis-induced increase in mitochondrial membrane potential, enhancing phagocytic capacity of macrophages. Treatment with culture medium of Nox4-/- macrophages engulfing myelin debris, but not that of Nox4-/- astrocytes, enhanced cell growth and expression of myelin-associated proteins in cultured oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Collectively, Nox4 deletion promoted remyelination after CPZ-induced demyelination by enhancing microglia/macrophage-mediated clearance of myelin debris and the production of trophic factors leading to oligodendrogenesis.

Low-dose sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor ameliorates ischemic brain injury in mice through pericyte protection without glucose-lowering effects.

Antidiabetic sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have attracted attention for their cardiorenal-protective properties beyond their glucose-lowering effect. However, their benefits in ischemic stroke remain controversial. Here we show the effects of luseogliflozin, a selective SGLT2 inhibitor, in acute ischemic stroke, using a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) model in non-diabetic mice. Pretreatment with low-dose luseogliflozin, which does not affect blood glucose levels, significantly attenuated infarct volume, blood-brain barrier disruption, and motor dysfunction after pMCAO. SGLT2 was expressed predominantly in brain pericytes and was upregulated in peri- and intra-infarct areas. Notably, luseogliflozin pretreatment reduced pericyte loss in ischemic areas. In cultured pericytes, luseogliflozin activated AMP-activated protein kinase α and increased mitochondrial transcription factor A expression and number of mitochondria, conferring resistance to oxygen-glucose deprivation. Collectively, pre-stroke inhibition of SGLT2 induces ischemic tolerance in brain pericytes independent of the glucose-lowering effect, contributing to the attenuation of ischemic brain injury.

Subtraction of arterial spin-labeling magnetic resonance perfusion images acquired at dual post-labeling delay: Potential for evaluating cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome following carotid endarterectomy.

Arterial spin-labeling magnetic resonance perfusion imaging is a promising tool for the diagnosis of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome after carotid endarterectomy. However, arterial spin-labeling with a single post-labeling delay has been reported to show a higher incidence of increased arterial spin-labeling signals in the bilateral hemisphere, probably due to a shortening of the arterial transit time or an arterial transit artifact caused by intravascular stagnant magnetically-labeled spin. To overcome these shortcomings, we used two post-labeling delay settings (1.0 and 1.5 s) in 8 patients who had undergone carotid endarterectomy. In addition, we created a subtraction image between the mean perfusion maps at post-labeling delays of 1.0 and 1.5 s. This also decreased arterial transit artifacts, as these appeared in nearly the same configuration in both post-labeling delay settings. In all eight cases examined, increased arterial spin-labeling signals were observed bilaterally on both dual post-labeling delay settings. Subtraction images revealed that these increased signals were attributable to arterial transit artifacts in seven cases. However, in one patient who developed clinical symptoms, the subtraction method demonstrated post-carotid endarterectomy hyperperfusion. This preliminary study demonstrates that the subtraction method might decrease arterial transit artifacts and yield a map that can better represent true perfusion, thus enabling the detection of post-carotid endarterectomy hyperperfusion.

A case of vitamin B12 deficiency with involuntary movements and bilateral basal ganglia lesions.

An 86-year-old woman with a one-year history of dementia was admitted to our hospital complaining of loss of appetite, hallucinations, and disturbance of consciousness. She gradually presented with chorea-like involuntary movements of the extremities. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral symmetrical hyperintense signals in the basal ganglia. The serum vitamin B12 level was below the lower detection limit of 50 pg/ml. The homocysteine level was markedly elevated at 115.8 nmol/ml. Anti-intrinsic factor and anti-parietal cell antibody tests were positive. Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed atrophic gastritis. The patient was diagnosed with encephalopathy due to vitamin B12 deficiency caused by pernicious anemia. Involuntary movements and MRI abnormalities improved with parenteral vitamin B12 supplementation. Bilateral basal ganglia lesions are rare manifestations of adult vitamin B12 deficiency. The present case is considered valuable in identifying the pathophysiology of involuntary movement due to vitamin B12 deficiency.