Functional and Structural Changes in Diaphragm Neuromuscular Junctions in Early Aging.

Age-related impairment of the diaphragm causes respiratory complications. Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) dysfunction can be one of the triggering events in diaphragm weaknesses in old age. Prominent structural and functional alterations in diaphragm NMJs were described in elderly rodents, but NMJ changes in middle age remain unclear. Here, we compared diaphragm muscles from young adult (3 months) and middle-aged (12 months) BALB/c mice. Microelectrode recordings, immunofluorescent staining, electron microscopy, myography, and whole-body plethysmography were used. We revealed presynaptic (i) and postsynaptic (ii) changes. The former (i) included an increase in both action potential propagation velocity and neurotransmitter release evoked by low-, moderate-, and high-frequency activity but a decrease in immunoexpression of synapsin 1 and synaptic vesicle clustering. The latter (ii) consisted of a decrease in currents via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and the area of their distribution. These NMJ changes correlated with increased contractile responses to moderate- to high-frequency nerve activation. Additionally, we found alterations in the pattern of respiration (an increase in peak inspiratory flow and a tendency of elevation of the tidal volume), which imply increased diaphragm activity in middle-aged mice. We conclude that enhancement of neuromuscular communication (due to presynaptic mechanism) accompanied by improved contractile responses occurs in the diaphragm in early aging.

Protective properties of melanin from lichen Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) HOFFM. In models of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle.

Melanin is a dark pigment from the group of phenolic or indole polymers with inherent biocompatibility and antioxidant capacity. In extremophilic lichen Lobaria pulmonaria, melanin is responsible for protective properties against hostile environments. Herein, the ability of melanin extracted from L. pulmonaria to counteract oxidative stress and related damages was studied in the mouse diaphragm, the main respiratory muscle. Initial in vitro experiments demonstrated ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing, antioxidant and metal chelating activities of melanin. This melanin can form nanoparticles and stabile colloidal system at concentration of 5 µg/ml. Pretreatment of the muscle with melanin (5 µg/ml) markedly reduced UV-induced increase in intracellular and extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as antimycin A-mediated enhancement in mitochondrial ROS production accompanied by lipid peroxidation and membrane asymmetry loss. In addition, melanin attenuated suppression of neuromuscular transmission and alterations of contractile responses provoked by hydrogen peroxide. Thus, this study shed the light on the perspectives of the application of a lichen melanin as a protective component for treatment of skeletal muscle disorders, which are accompanied with an increased ROS production.

Effects of membrane cholesterol-targeting chemicals on skeletal muscle contractions evoked by direct and indirect stimulation.

Cholesterol is one of the major components of plasma membrane, where its distribution is nonhomogeneous and it participates in lipid raft formation. In skeletal muscle cholesterol and lipid rafts seem to be important for excitation-contraction coupling and for neuromuscular transmission, involving cholesterol-rich synaptic vesicles. In the present study, nerve and muscle stimulation-evoked contractions were recorded to assess the role of cholesterol in contractile function of mouse diaphragm. Exposure to cholesterol oxidase (0.2 U/ml) and cholesterol-depleting agent methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (1 mM) did not affect markedly contractile responses to both direct and indirect stimulation at low and high frequency. However, methyl-ß-cyclodextrin at high concentration (10 mM) strongly decreased the force of both single and tetanus contractions induced by phrenic nerve stimulation. This decline in contractile function was more profoundly expressed when methyl-ß-cyclodextrin application was combined with phrenic nerve activation. At the same time, 10 mM methyl-ß-cyclodextrin had no effect on contractions upon direct muscle stimulation at low and high frequency. Thus, strong cholesterol depletion suppresses contractile function mainly due to disturbance of the neuromuscular communication, whereas muscle fiber contractility remains resistant to decline.

Mechanism of Purinergic Regulation of Neurotransmission in Mouse Neuromuscular Junction: The Role of Redox Signaling and Lipid Rafts.

Acetylcholine is the main neurotransmitter at the vertebrate neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). ACh exocytosis is precisely modulated by co-transmitter ATP and its metabolites. It is assumed that ATP/ADP effects on ACh release rely on activation of presynaptic Gi protein-coupled P2Y13 receptors. However, downstream signaling mechanism of ATP/ADP-mediated modulation of neuromuscular transmission remains elusive. Using microelectrode recording and fluorescent indicators, the mechanism underlying purinergic regulation was studied in the mouse diaphragm NMJs. Pharmacological stimulation of purinoceptors with ADP decreased synaptic vesicle exocytosis evoked by both low and higher frequency stimulation. This inhibitory action was suppressed by antagonists of P2Y13 receptors (MRS 2211), Ca2+ mobilization (TMB8), protein kinase C (chelerythrine) and NADPH oxidase (VAS2870) as well as antioxidants. This suggests the participation of Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ADP-triggered signaling. Indeed, ADP caused an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ with subsequent elevation of ROS levels. The elevation of [Ca2+]in was blocked by MRS 2211 and TMB8, whereas upregulation of ROS was prevented by pertussis toxin (inhibitor of Gi protein) and VAS2870. Targeting the main components of lipid rafts, cholesterol and sphingomyelin, suppressed P2Y13 receptor-dependent attenuation of exocytosis and ADP-induced enhancement of ROS production. Inhibition of P2Y13 receptors decreased ROS production and increased the rate of exocytosis during intense activity. Thus, suppression of neuromuscular transmission by exogenous ADP or endogenous ATP can rely on P2Y13 receptor/Gi protein/Ca2+/protein kinase C/NADPH oxidase/ROS signaling, which is coordinated in a lipid raft-dependent manner.

25-hydroxycholesterol triggers antioxidant signaling in mouse atria.

Oxysterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC), is a potent regulator of immune reactions, its synthesis greatly increases by macrophages during inflammation. We hypothesize that 25HC can have cardioprotective effects by limiting consequences of excessive ß-adrenoceptor (ßAR) stimulation, particularly reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, in mouse atria. Isoproterenol, a ßAR agonist, increased extra- and intracellular levels of ROS. This enhancement of ROS production was suppressed by NADPH oxidase antagonists as well as 25HC. Inhibition of ß3ARs, Gi protein and protein kinase Cε prevented the effect of 25HC on isoproterenol-dependent ROS synthesis. Furthermore, 25HC suppressed isoproterenol-induced lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial ROS generation as well as ROS-dependent component of positive inotropic response to isoproterenol. Additionally, 25HC decreased mitochondrial ROS production and lipid peroxidation induced by antimycin A, a mitochondrial poison. Thus, 25HC exerts antioxidant properties alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction-induced and ßAR-dependent cardiac oxidative damage. In the latter case, 25HC can act via signaling mechanism engaging ß3ARs, Gi protein and protein kinase Cε.

ß2-Adrenergic Regulation of the Neuromuscular Transmission and Its Lipid-Dependent Switch.

ß2-Adrenoceptors (ß2-ARs) are the most abundant subtype of adrenergic receptors in skeletal muscles. Their activation via a stabilization of postsynaptic architecture has beneficial effects in certain models of neuromuscular disorders. However, the ability of ß2-ARs to regulate neuromuscular transmission at the presynaptic level is poorly understood. Using electrophysiological recordings and fluorescent FM dyes, we found that ß2-AR activation with fenoterol enhanced an involvement of synaptic vesicles in exocytosis and neurotransmitter release during intense activity at the neuromuscular junctions of mouse diaphragm. This was accompanied by an improvement of contractile responses to phrenic nerve stimulation (but not direct stimulation of the muscle fibers) at moderate-to-high frequencies. ß2-ARs mainly reside in lipid microdomains enriched with cholesterol and sphingomyelin. The latter is hydrolyzed by sphingomyelinases, whose upregulation occurs in many conditions characterized by muscle atrophy and sympathetic nerve hyperactivity. Sphingomyelinase treatment reversed the effects of ß2-AR agonist on the neurotransmitter release and synaptic vesicle recruitment to the exocytosis during intense activity. Inhibition of Gi protein with pertussis toxin completely prevented the sphingomyelinase-mediated inversion in the ß2-AR agonist action. Note that lipid raft disrupting enzyme cholesterol oxidase had the same effect on ß2-AR agonist-mediated changes in neurotransmission as sphingomyelinase. Thus, ß2-AR agonist fenoterol augmented recruitment and release of synaptic vesicles during intense activity in the diaphragm neuromuscular junctions. Sphingomyelin hydrolysis inversed the effects of ß2-AR agonist on neurotransmission probably via switching to Gi protein-dependent signaling. This phenomenon may reflect a dependence of the ß2-AR signaling on lipid raft integrity in the neuromuscular junctions.

Targeted Liposomes Sensitize Plastic Melanoma to Ferroptosis via Senescence Induction and Coenzyme Depletion.

Ferroptotic cancer therapy has been extensively investigated since the genesis of the ferroptosis concept. However, the therapeutic efficacy of ferroptosis induction in heterogeneous and plastic melanoma has been compromised, because the melanocytic and transitory cell subpopulation is resistant to iron-dependent oxidative stress. Here, we report a phenotype-altering liposomal nanomedicine to enable the ferroptosis-resistant subtypes of melanoma cells vulnerable to lipid peroxidation via senescence induction. The strategy involves the ratiometric coencapsulation of a cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor (palbociclib) and a ferroptosis inducer (auranofin) within cRGD peptide-modified targeted liposomes. The two drugs showed a synergistic anticancer effect in the model B16F10 melanoma cells, as evidenced by the combination index analysis (<1). The liposomes could efficiently deliver both drugs into B16F10 cells in a targeted manner. Afterward, the liposomes potently induced the intracellular redox imbalance and lipid peroxidation. Palbociclib significantly provoked cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, which sensitized auranofin-caused ferroptosis through senescence induction. Meanwhile, palbociclib depleted intracellular glutathione (GSH) and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), further boosting ferroptosis. The proof-of-concept was also demonstrated in the B16F10 tumor-bearing mice model. The current work offers a promising ferroptosis-targeting strategy for effectively treating heterogeneous melanoma by manipulating the cellular plasticity.

The mechanism of 25-hydroxycholesterol-mediated suppression of atrial ß1-adrenergic responses.

25-Hydroxycholesterol (25HC) is a biologically active oxysterol, whose production greatly increases during inflammation by macrophages and dendritic cells. The inflammatory reactions are frequently accompanied by changes in heart regulation, such as blunting of the cardiac ß-adrenergic receptor (AR) signaling. Here, the mechanism of 25HC-dependent modulation of responses to ß-AR activation was studied in the atria of mice. 25HC at the submicromolar levels decreased the ß-AR-mediated positive inotropic effect and enhancement of the Ca2+ transient amplitude, without changing NO production. Positive inotropic responses to ß1-AR (but not ß2-AR) activation were markedly attenuated by 25HC. The depressant action of 25HC on the ß1-AR-mediated responses was prevented by selective ß3-AR antagonists as well as inhibitors of Gi protein, Gßγ, G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2/3, or ß-arrestin. Simultaneously, blockers of protein kinase D and C as well as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor did not preclude the negative action of 25HC on the inotropic response to ß-AR activation. Thus, 25HC can suppress the ß1-AR-dependent effects via engaging ß3-AR, Gi protein, Gßγ, G protein-coupled receptor kinase, and ß-arrestin. This 25HC-dependent mechanism can contribute to the inflammatory-related alterations in the atrial ß-adrenergic signaling.

The Mechanism of α2 adrenoreceptor-dependent Modulation of Neurotransmitter Release at the Neuromuscular Junctions.

α2-Adrenoreceptors (ARs) are main Gi-protein coupled autoreceptors in sympathetic nerve terminals and targets for dexmedetomidine (DEX), a widely used sedative. We hypothesize that α2-ARs are also potent regulators of neuromuscular transmission via G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels. Using extracellular microelectrode recording of postsynaptic potentials, we found DEX-induced inhibition of spontaneous and evoked neurotransmitter release as well as desynchronization of evoked exocytotic events in the mouse diaphragm neuromuscular junction. These effects were suppressed by SKF-86,466, a selective α2-AR antagonist. An activator of GIRK channels ML297 had the same effects on neurotransmitter release as DEX. By contrast, inhibition of GIRK channels with tertiapin-Q prevented the action of DEX on evoked neurotransmitter release, but not on spontaneous exocytosis. The synaptic vesicle exocytosis is strongly dependent on Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), which can be negatively regulated via α2-AR - GIRK channel axis. Indeed, inhibition of P/Q-, L-, N- or R-type VGCCs prevented the inhibitory action of DEX on evoked neurotransmitter release; antagonists of P/Q- and N-type channels also suppressed the DEX-mediated desynchronization of evoked exocytotic events. Furthermore, inhibition of P/Q-, L- or N-type VGCCs precluded the frequency decrease of spontaneous exocytosis upon DEX application. Thus, α2-ARs acting via GIRK channels and VGCCs (mainly, P/Q- and N-types) exert inhibitory effect on the neuromuscular communication by attenuating and desynchronizing evoked exocytosis. In addition, α2-ARs can suppress spontaneous exocytosis through GIRK channel-independent, but VGCC-dependent pathway.

Effects of cholesterol oxidase on neurotransmission and acetylcholine levels at the mice neuromuscular junctions.

Membrane cholesterol oxidation is a hallmark of redox and metabolic imbalance, and it may accompany neurodegenerative disorders. Using microelectrode recordings of postsynaptic responses as well as fluorescent dyes for monitoring synaptic vesicle cycling and membrane properties, the action of enzymatic cholesterol oxidation on neuromuscular transmission was studied in the mice diaphragms. Cholesterol oxidase (ChO) at low concentration disturbed lipid-ordering specifically in the synaptic membranes, but it did not change markedly spontaneous exocytosis and evoked release in response to single stimuli. At low external Ca2+ conditions, analysis of single exocytotic events revealed a decrease in minimal synaptic delay and the probability of exocytosis upon plasmalemmal cholesterol oxidation. At moderate- and high-frequency activity, ChO treatment enhanced both neurotransmitter and FM-dye release. Furthermore, it precluded a change in exocytotic mode from full-fusion to kiss-and-run during high-frequency stimulation. Accumulation of extracellular acetylcholine (without stimulation) dependent on vesamicol-sensitive transporters was suppressed by ChO. The effects of plasmalemmal cholesterol oxidation on both neurotransmitter/dye release at intense activity and external acetylcholine levels were reversed when synaptic vesicle membranes were also exposed to ChO (i.e., the enzyme treatment was combined with induction of exo-endocytotic cycling). Thus, we suggest that plasmalemmal cholesterol oxidation affects exocytotic machinery functioning, enhances synaptic vesicle recruitment to the exocytosis and decreases extracellular neurotransmitter levels at rest, whereas ChO acting on synaptic vesicle membranes suppresses the participation of the vesicles in the subsequent exocytosis and increases the neurotransmitter leakage. The mechanisms underlying ChO action can be related to the lipid raft disruption.

Lipid-dependent regulation of neurotransmitter release from sympathetic nerve endings in mice atria.

Neurotransmitter release from sympathetic terminals is a key avenue for heart regulation. Herein, presynaptic exocytotic activity was monitored in mice atrial tissue using a false fluorescent neurotransmitter FFN511, a substrate for monoamine transporters. FFN511 labeling had similarity with tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining. High [K+]o depolarization caused FFN511 release, which was augmented by reserpine, an inhibitor of neurotransmitter uptake. However, reserpine lost the ability to increase depolarization-induced FFN511 unloading after depletion of ready releasable pool with hyperosmotic sucrose. Cholesterol oxidase and sphingomyelinase modified atrial membranes, changing in opposite manner fluorescence of lipid ordering-sensitive probe. Plasmalemmal cholesterol oxidation increased FFN511 release upon K+-depolarization and more markedly potentiated FFN511 unloading in the presence of reserpine. Hydrolysis of plasmalemmal sphingomyelin profoundly enhanced the rate of FFN511 loss due to K+-depolarization, but completely prevented potentiating action of reserpine on FFN511 unloading. If cholesterol oxidase or sphingomyelinase got access to membranes of recycling synaptic vesicles, then the enzyme effects were suppressed. Hence, a fast neurotransmitter reuptake dependent on exocytosis of vesicles from ready releasable pool occurs during presynaptic activity. This reuptake can be enhanced or inhibited by plasmalemmal cholesterol oxidation or sphingomyelin hydrolysis, respectively. These modifications of plasmalemmal (but not vesicular) lipids increase the evoked neurotransmitter release.

Early Alterations in Structural and Functional Properties in the Neuromuscular Junctions of Mutant FUS Mice.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is manifested as skeletal muscle denervation, loss of motor neurons and finally severe respiratory failure. Mutations of RNA-binding protein FUS are one of the common genetic reasons of ALS accompanied by a 'dying back' type of degeneration. Using fluorescent approaches and microelectrode recordings, the early structural and functional alterations in diaphragm neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) were studied in mutant FUS mice at the pre-onset stage. Lipid peroxidation and decreased staining with a lipid raft marker were found in the mutant mice. Despite the preservation of the end-plate structure, immunolabeling revealed an increase in levels of presynaptic proteins, SNAP-25 and synapsin 1. The latter can restrain Ca2+-dependent synaptic vesicle mobilization. Indeed, neurotransmitter release upon intense nerve stimulation and its recovery after tetanus and compensatory synaptic vesicle endocytosis were markedly depressed in FUS mice. There was a trend to attenuation of axonal [Ca2+]in increase upon nerve stimulation at 20 Hz. However, no changes in neurotransmitter release and the intraterminal Ca2+ transient in response to low frequency stimulation or in quantal content and the synchrony of neurotransmitter release at low levels of external Ca2+ were detected. At a later stage, shrinking and fragmentation of end plates together with a decrease in presynaptic protein expression and disturbance of the neurotransmitter release timing occurred. Overall, suppression of synaptic vesicle exo-endocytosis upon intense activity probably due to alterations in membrane properties, synapsin 1 levels and Ca2+ kinetics could be an early sign of nascent NMJ pathology, which leads to neuromuscular contact disorganization.

Sphingomyelinase modulates synaptic vesicle mobilization at the mice neuromuscular junctions.

AIMS: Sphingomyelin is an abundant component of the presynaptic membrane and an organizer of lipid rafts. In several pathological conditions, sphingomyelin is hydrolyzed due to an upregulation and release of secretory sphingomyelinases (SMases). Herein, the effects of SMase on exocytotic neurotransmitter release were studied in the diaphragm neuromuscular junctions of mice. MAIN METHODS: Microelectrode recordings of postsynaptic potentials and styryl (FM) dyes were used to estimate neuromuscular transmission. Membrane properties were assessed with fluorescent techniques. KEY FINDINGS: Application of SMase at a low concentration (0.01 U ml-1) led to a disruption of lipid-packing in the synaptic membranes. Neither spontaneous exocytosis nor evoked neurotransmitter release (in response to single stimuli) were affected by SMase treatment. However, SMase significantly increased neurotransmitter release and the rate of fluorescent FM-dye loss from the synaptic vesicles at 10, 20 and 70 Hz stimulation of the motor nerve. In addition, SMase treatment prevented a shift of the exocytotic mode from "full-collapse" fusion to "kiss-and-run" during high-frequency (70 Hz) activity. The potentiating effects of SMase on neurotransmitter release and FM-dye unloading were suppressed when synaptic vesicle membranes were also exposed to this enzyme (i.e., stimulation occurred during SMase treatment). SIGNIFICANCE: Thus, hydrolysis of the plasma membrane sphingomyelin can enhance mobilization of synaptic vesicles and facilitate full fusion mode of exocytosis, but SMase acting on vesicular membrane had a depressant effect on the neurotransmission. Partially, the effects of SMase can be related with the changes in synaptic membrane properties and intracellular signaling.

Frequency-Dependent Engagement of Synaptic Vesicle Pools in the Mice Motor Nerve Terminals.

Nerve terminals contain numerous synaptic vesicles (SVs) whose exo-endocytic cycling maintains neurotransmitter release. SVs may have different properties, thereby constituting separate pools. However, behavior of SV pools remains elusive in many synapses. To fill this gap, we studied the functioning of SV pools at both low- and higher-frequency stimulations utilizing microelectrode recording and dual-labeling of SVs with FM-dyes at the mice motor nerve terminals. It was found that higher-frequency stimulation caused exocytosis of different kinds of SVs. One type of SVs contributed to exocytosis exclusively at intense activities and their exocytotic rate was depended on the order in which these SVs were recovered by endocytosis. Another type of SVs can sustain the release in response to both low- and higher-frequency stimulations, but increasing activity did not lead to enhanced exocytotic rate of these SVs. In addition, depression of neurotransmitter release induced by 20 Hz stimulation occurred independent on previous episode of 10 Hz activity. We suggest that during prolonged stimulation at least two SV pools can operate. One termed "house-keeping" that would be active at different frequencies and the other termed "plug-in" that would respond to increasing activity.

KATP channels as ROS-dependent modulator of neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junctions.

AIMS: Neurotransmitter release requires high energy demands, making the nerve terminals metabolically fragile and susceptible to oxidative stress. ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels can be an important regulator orchestrating the influence of metabolic-related signals on exocytosis. Here, the relevance of ROS in KATP channel-dependent control of neurotransmitter release at the frog neuromuscular junction was studied. METHODS: Microelectrode recordings of end plate potentials at the distal and proximal compartments of nerve terminals as well as fluorescent techniques were used. KEY FINDINGS: Activation of KATP channels in the proximal region suppressed evoked and spontaneous release in a lipid raft-dependent manner. Activation of KATP channels in the distal region reduced solely evoked release which was preserved after lipid raft disruption. Chelation of ROS potentiated the effects of KATP channel activation and unmasked the effects of KATP channel blocker on evoked exocytosis. Activation or inhibition of KATP channels suppressed or enhanced the depressant action of extracellular adenosine on evoked exocytosis. This was accompanied with an increase or decrease in adenosine-induced ROS production, respectively. KATP channel-dependent modulation of adenosine action was halted by antioxidant and NADPH-oxidase inhibitor. Also, activation of KATP channels led to an increase in ROS production suppressing the negative effects of extracellular ATP on evoked release in a ROS-dependent manner. SIGNIFICANCE: KATP channel-mediated modulation of release has specific features in distal and proximal compartments and depends on endogenous ROS levels and lipid raft integrity. Activation of KATP channels suppresses the action of extracellular adenosine and ATP on evoked release by increasing ROS production.

Catecholamine-dependent hyperpolarization of the junctional membrane via ß2- adrenoreceptor/Gi-protein/α2-Na-K-ATPase pathway.

We investigated the effects of catecholamines, adrenaline and noradrenaline, as well as ß-adrenoceptor (AR) modulators on a resting membrane potential at the junctional and extrajunctional regions of mouse fast-twitch Levator auris longus muscle. The aim of the study was to find which AR subtypes, signaling molecules and Na,K-ATPase isoforms are involved in the hyperpolarizing action of catecholamines and whether this action could be accompanied by changes in the pump abundance on the sarcolemma. Adrenaline, noradrenaline and specific ß2-AR agonist induced hyperpolarization of both junctional and extrajunctional membrane, but the underlying mechanisms were different. In the junctional membrane the hyperpolarization depended on α2 isoform of the Na,K-ATPase and Gi-protein, whereas in the extrajunctional regions the hyperpolarization mainly relied on α1 isoform of Na,K-ATPase and adenylyl cyclase activities. In both junctional and extrajunctional regions, AR activation caused an increase in Na,K-ATPase abundance in the plasmalemma in a protein kinase A-dependent manner. Thus, the compartment-specific mechanisms are responsible for catecholamine-mediated hyperpolarization in the skeletal muscle.

25-Hydroxycholesterol as a Signaling Molecule of the Nervous System.

Cholesterol is an essential component of plasma membrane and precursor of biological active compounds, including hydroxycholesterols (HCs). HCs regulate cellular homeostasis of cholesterol; they can pass across the membrane and vascular barriers and act distantly as para- and endocrine agents. A small amount of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC) is produced in the endoplasmic reticulum of most cells, where it serves as a potent regulator of the synthesis, intracellular transport, and storage of cholesterol. Production of 25-HC is strongly increased in the macrophages, dendrite cells, and microglia at the inflammatory response. The synthesis of 25-HC can be also upregulated in some neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spastic paraplegia type 5, and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. However, it is unclear whether 25-HC aggravates these pathologies or has the protective properties. The molecular targets for 25-HC are transcriptional factors (LX receptors, SREBP2, ROR), G protein-coupled receptor (GPR183), ion channels (NMDA receptors, SLO1), adhesive molecules (α5ß1 and ανß3 integrins), and oxysterol-binding proteins. The diversity of 25-HC-binding proteins points to the ability of HC to affect many physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we focused on the regulation of 25-HC production and its universal role in the control of cellular cholesterol homeostasis, as well as the effects of 25-HC as a signaling molecule mediating the influence of inflammation on the processes in the neuromuscular system and brain. Based on the evidence collected, it can be suggested that 25-HC prevents accumulation of cellular cholesterol and serves as a potent modulator of neuroinflammation, synaptic transmission, and myelinization. An increased production of 25-HC in response to a various type of damage can have a protective role and reduce neuronal loss. At the same time, an excess of 25-HC may exert the neurotoxic effects.

Presynaptic Acetylcholine Receptors Modulate the Time Course of Action Potential-Evoked Acetylcholine Quanta Secretion at Neuromuscular Junctions.

For effective transmission of excitation in neuromuscular junctions, the postsynaptic response amplitude must exceed a critical level of depolarization to trigger action potential spreading along the muscle-fiber membrane. At the presynaptic level, the end-plate potential amplitude depends not only on the acetylcholine quanta number released from the nerve terminals in response to the nerve impulse but also on a degree of synchronicity of quanta releases. The time course of stimulus-phasic synchronous quanta secretion is modulated by many extra- and intracellular factors. One of the pathways to regulate the neurosecretion kinetics of acetylcholine quanta is an activation of presynaptic autoreceptors. This review discusses the contribution of acetylcholine presynaptic receptors to the control of the kinetics of evoked acetylcholine release from nerve terminals at the neuromuscular junctions. The timing characteristics of neurotransmitter release is nowadays considered an essential factor determining the plasticity and efficacy of synaptic transmission.

GIRK channel as a versatile regulator of neurotransmitter release via L-type Ca2+ channel-dependent mechanism in the neuromuscular junction.

G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels are one of the main regulators of neuronal excitability. Activation of GIRK channels in the CNS usually leads to postsynaptic inhibition. However, the function of GIRK channels in the presynaptic processes, notably neurotransmitter release form motor nerve terminals, is yet to be comprehensively understood. Here, using electrophysiological and fluorescent approaches, the role of GIRK channels in neurotransmitter release from frog motor nerve terminals was studied. We found that the inhibition of GIRK channels with nanomolar tertiapin-Q synchronized exocytosis events with action potential but suppressed spontaneous and evoked neurotransmitter release, as well as Ca2+ transient and membrane permeability for K+. The action of GIRK channel inhibition on evoked neurotransmission was prevented by selective antagonist of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels of L-type. Furthermore, the effects of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor activation on neurotransmitter release, Ca2+ transient and K+ channel activity were markedly modulated by inhibition of GIRK channels. Thus, at the motor nerve terminals GIRK channels can regulate timing of neurotransmitter release and be a positive modulator of synaptic vesicle exocytosis acting partially via L-type Ca2+ channels. In addition, GIRK channels are key players in a feedback control of neurotransmitter release by muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

Adrenergic receptors control frequency-dependent switching of the exocytosis mode between "full-collapse" and "kiss-and-run" in murine motor nerve terminal.

AIMS: Neurotransmitter release from the synaptic vesicles can occur through two modes of exocytosis: "full-collapse" or "kiss-and-run". Here we investigated how increasing the nerve activity and pharmacological stimulation of adrenoceptors can influence the mode of exocytosis in the motor nerve terminal. METHODS: Recording of endplate potentials with intracellular microelectrodes was used to estimate acetylcholine release. A fluorescent dye FM1-43 and its quenching with sulforhodamine 101 were utilized to visualize synaptic vesicle recycling. KEY FINDINGS: An increase in the frequency of stimulation led to a decrease in the rate of FM1-43 unloading despite the higher number of quanta released. High frequency activity promoted neurotransmitter release via the kiss-and-run mechanism. This was confirmed by experiments utilizing (I) FM1-43 dye quencher, that is able to pass into the synaptic vesicle via fusion pore, and (II) loading of FM1-43 by compensatory endocytosis. Noradrenaline and specific α2-adrenoreceptors agonist, dexmedetomidine, controlled the mode of synaptic vesicle recycling at high frequency activity. Their applications favored neurotransmitter release via full-collapse exocytosis rather than the kiss-and-run pathway. SIGNIFICANCE: At the diaphragm neuromuscular junctions, neuronal commands are translated into contractions necessary for respiration. During stress, an increase in discharge rate of the phrenic nerve shifts the exocytosis from the full-collapse to the kiss-and-run mode. The stress-related molecule, noradrenaline, restricts neurotransmitter release in response to a high frequency activity, and prevents the shift in the mode of exocytosis through α2-adrenoceptor activation. This may be a component of the mechanism that limits overstimulation of the respiratory system during stress.