Melanocortin 3 receptor-expressing neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus promote glucose disposal.

The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) is a critical neural node that senses blood glucose and promotes glucose utilization or mobilization during hypoglycemia. The VMH neurons that control these distinct physiologic processes are largely unknown. Here, we show that melanocortin 3 receptor (Mc3R)-expressing VMH neurons (VMHMC3R) sense glucose changes both directly and indirectly via altered excitatory input. We identify presynaptic nodes that potentially regulate VMHMC3R neuronal activity, including inputs from proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-producing neurons in the arcuate nucleus. We find that VMHMC3R neuron activation blunts, and their silencing enhances glucose excursion following a glucose load. Overall, these findings demonstrate that VMHMC3R neurons are a glucose-responsive hypothalamic subpopulation that promotes glucose disposal upon activation; this highlights a potential site for targeting dysregulated glycemia.

Leptin acts via lateral hypothalamic area neurotensin neurons to inhibit orexin neurons by multiple GABA-independent mechanisms.

The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin modulates neural systems appropriately for the status of body energy stores. Leptin inhibits lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) orexin (OX; also known as hypocretin)-producing neurons, which control feeding, activity, and energy expenditure, among other parameters. Our previous results suggest that GABAergic LHA leptin receptor (LepRb)-containing and neurotensin (Nts)-containing (LepRb(Nts)) neurons lie in close apposition with OX neurons and control Ox mRNA expression. Here, we show that, similar to leptin, activation of LHA Nts neurons by the excitatory hM3Dq DREADD (designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs) hyperpolarizes membrane potential and suppresses action potential firing in OX neurons in mouse hypothalamic slices. Furthermore, ablation of LepRb from Nts neurons abrogated the leptin-mediated inhibition, demonstrating that LepRb(Nts) neurons mediate the inhibition of OX neurons by leptin. Leptin did not significantly enhance GABAA-mediated inhibitory synaptic transmission, and GABA receptor antagonists did not block leptin-mediated inhibition of OX neuron activity. Rather, leptin diminished the frequency of spontaneous EPSCs onto OX neurons. Furthermore, leptin indirectly activated an ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel in OX neurons, which was required for the hyperpolarization of OX neurons by leptin. Although Nts did not alter OX activity, galanin, which is coexpressed in LepRb(Nts) neurons, inhibited OX neurons, whereas the galanin receptor antagonist M40 (galanin-(1-12)-Pro3-(Ala-Leu)2-Ala amide) prevented the leptin-induced hyperpolarization of OX cells. These findings demonstrate that leptin indirectly inhibits OX neurons by acting on LHA LepRb(Nts) neurons to mediate two distinct GABA-independent mechanisms of inhibition: the presynaptic inhibition of excitatory neurotransmission and the opening of K(ATP) channels.

Slow oscillations of KATP conductance in mouse pancreatic islets provide support for electrical bursting driven by metabolic oscillations.

We used the patch clamp technique in situ to test the hypothesis that slow oscillations in metabolism mediate slow electrical oscillations in mouse pancreatic islets by causing oscillations in KATP channel activity. Total conductance was measured over the course of slow bursting oscillations in surface ß-cells of islets exposed to 11.1 mM glucose by either switching from current clamp to voltage clamp at different phases of the bursting cycle or by clamping the cells to -60 mV and running two-second voltage ramps from -120 to -50 mV every 20 s. The membrane conductance, calculated from the slopes of the ramp current-voltage curves, oscillated and was larger during the silent phase than during the active phase of the burst. The ramp conductance was sensitive to diazoxide, and the oscillatory component was reduced by sulfonylureas or by lowering extracellular glucose to 2.8 mM, suggesting that the oscillatory total conductance is due to oscillatory KATP channel conductance. We demonstrate that these results are consistent with the Dual Oscillator model, in which glycolytic oscillations drive slow electrical bursting, but not with other models in which metabolic oscillations are secondary to calcium oscillations. The simulations also confirm that oscillations in membrane conductance can be well estimated from measurements of slope conductance and distinguished from gap junction conductance. Furthermore, the oscillatory conductance was blocked by tolbutamide in isolated ß-cells. The data, combined with insights from mathematical models, support a mechanism of slow (∼5 min) bursting driven by oscillations in metabolism, rather than by oscillations in the intracellular free calcium concentration.

Stretch injury selectively enhances extrasynaptic, GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor function in cortical neurons.

Alterations in the function and expression of NMDA receptors are observed after in vivo and in vitro traumatic brain injury. We recently reported that mechanical stretch injury in cortical neurons transiently increases the contribution of NMDA receptors to network activity and results in an increase in calcium-permeable AMPA (CP-AMPA) receptor-mediated transmission 4 h postinjury (Goforth et al. 2011). Here, we evaluated changes in the function of synaptic vs. extrasynaptic GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors after injury. We also determined whether postinjury treatment with the GluN2B-selective antagonist Ro 25-6981 or memantine prevents injury-induced increases in CP-AMPA receptor activity. We found that injury increased extrasynaptic, GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor-mediated whole cell currents. In contrast, we found no differences in synaptic NMDA receptor-mediated transmission after injury. Furthermore, treatment with Ro 25-6981 or memantine after injury prevented injury-induced increases in CP-AMPA receptor-mediated activity. Together, our data suggest that increased NMDA receptor activity after injury is predominantly due to alterations in extrasynaptic, GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors and that activation of these receptors may contribute to the appearance of CP-AMPA receptors after injury.

Excitatory synaptic transmission and network activity are depressed following mechanical injury in cortical neurons.

In vitro and in vivo traumatic brain injury (TBI) alter the function and expression of glutamate receptors, yet the combined effect of these alterations on cortical excitatory synaptic transmission is unclear. We examined the effect of in vitro mechanical injury on excitatory synaptic function in cultured cortical neurons by assaying synaptically driven intracellular free calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) oscillations in small neuronal networks as well as spontaneous and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs). We show that injury decreased the incidence and frequency of spontaneous neuronal [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations for at least 2 days post-injury. The amplitude of the oscillations was reduced immediately and 2 days post-injury, although a transient rebound at 4 h post-injury was observed due to increased activity of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDARs) and calcium-permeable α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptors (CP-AMPARs). Increased CP-AMPAR function was abolished by the inhibition of protein synthesis. In parallel, mEPSC amplitude decreased immediately, 4 h, and 2 days post-injury, with a transient increase in the contribution of synaptic CP-AMPARs observed at 4 h post-injury. Decreased mEPSC amplitude was evident after injury, even if NMDARs and CP-AMPARs were blocked pharmacologically, suggesting the decrease reflected alterations in synaptic Glur2-containing, calcium-impermeable AMPARs. Despite the transient increase in CP-AMPAR activity that we observed, the overriding effect of mechanical injury was long-term depression of excitatory neurotransmission that would be expected to contribute to the cognitive deficits of TBI.

Ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus neuronal subset regulates blood glucose independently of insulin.

To identify neurons that specifically increase blood glucose from among the diversely functioning cell types in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN), we studied the cholecystokinin receptor B-expressing (CCKBR-expressing) VMN targets of glucose-elevating parabrachial nucleus neurons. Activation of these VMNCCKBR neurons increased blood glucose. Furthermore, although silencing the broader VMN decreased energy expenditure and promoted weight gain without altering blood glucose levels, silencing VMNCCKBR neurons decreased hIepatic glucose production, insulin-independently decreasing blood glucose without altering energy balance. Silencing VMNCCKBR neurons also impaired the counterregulatory response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia and glucoprivation and replicated hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure. Hence, VMNCCKBR cells represent a specialized subset of VMN cells that function to elevate glucose. These cells not only mediate the allostatic response to hypoglycemia but also modulate the homeostatic setpoint for blood glucose in an insulin-independent manner, consistent with a role for the brain in the insulin-independent control of glucose homeostasis.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors mediate neuromodulatory functions in the CNS.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a ubiquitous, lipophilic cellular mediator that acts in part by activation of G-protein-coupled receptor. Modulation of S1P signaling is an emerging pharmacotherapeutic target for immunomodulatory drugs. Although multiple S1P receptor types exist in the CNS, little is known about their function. Here, we report that S1P stimulated G-protein activity in the CNS, and results from [(35)S]GTPgammaS autoradiography using the S1P(1)-selective agonist SEW2871 and the S1P(1/3)-selective antagonist VPC44116 show that in several regions a majority of this activity is mediated by S1P(1) receptors. S1P receptor activation inhibited glutamatergic neurotransmission as determined by electrophysiological recordings in cortical neurons in vitro, and this effect was mimicked by SEW2871 and inhibited by VPC44116. Moreover, central administration of S1P produced in vivo effects resembling the actions of cannabinoids, including thermal antinociception, hypothermia, catalepsy and hypolocomotion, but these actions were independent of CB(1) receptors. At least one of the central effects of S1P, thermal antinociception, is also at least partly S1P(1) receptor mediated because it was produced by SEW2871 and attenuated by VPC44116. These results indicate that CNS S1P receptors are part of a physiologically relevant and widespread neuromodulatory system, and that the S1P(1) receptor contributes to S1P-mediated antinociception.

Injury-induced alterations in CNS electrophysiology.

Mild to moderate cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are very common, but are not always associated with the overt pathophysiogical changes seen following severe trauma. While neuronal death has been considered to be a major factor, the pervasive memory, cognitive and motor function deficits suffered by many mild TBI patients do not always correlate with cell loss. Therefore, we assert that functional impairment may result from alterations in surviving neurons. Current research has begun to explore CNS synaptic circuits after traumatic injury. Here we review significant findings made using in vivo and in vitro models of TBI that provide mechanistic insight into injury-induced alterations in synaptic electrophysiology. In the hippocampus, research now suggests that TBI regionally alters the delicate balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in surviving neurons, disrupting the normal functioning of synaptic circuits. In another approach, a simplified model of neuronal stretch injury in vitro, has been used to directly explore how injury impacts the physiology and cell biology of neurons in the absence of alterations in blood flow, blood brain barrier integrity, or oxygenation associated with in vivo models of brain injury. This chapter discusses how these two models alter excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission at the receptor, cellular and circuit levels and how these alterations contribute to cognitive impairment and a reduction in seizure threshold associated with human concussive brain injury.

Roles for Orexin/Hypocretin in the Control of Energy Balance and Metabolism.

The neuropeptide hypocretin is also commonly referred to as orexin, since its orexigenic action was recognized early. Orexin/hypocretin (OX) neurons project widely throughout the brain and the physiologic and behavioral functions of OX are much more complex than initially conceived based upon the stimulation of feeding. OX most notably controls functions relevant to attention, alertness, and motivation. OX also plays multiple crucial roles in the control of food intake, metabolism, and overall energy balance in mammals. OX signaling not only promotes food-seeking behavior upon short-term fasting to increase food intake and defend body weight, but, conversely, OX signaling also supports energy expenditure to protect against obesity. Furthermore, OX modulates the autonomic nervous system to control glucose metabolism, including during the response to hypoglycemia. Consistently, a variety of nutritional cues (including the hormones leptin and ghrelin) and metabolites (e.g., glucose, amino acids) control OX neurons. In this chapter, we review the control of OX neurons by nutritional/metabolic cues, along with our current understanding of the mechanisms by which OX and OX neurons contribute to the control of energy balance and metabolism.

A leptin-regulated circuit controls glucose mobilization during noxious stimuli.

Adipocytes secrete the hormone leptin to signal the sufficiency of energy stores. Reductions in circulating leptin concentrations reflect a negative energy balance, which augments sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation in response to metabolically demanding emergencies. This process ensures adequate glucose mobilization despite low energy stores. We report that leptin receptor-expressing neurons (LepRb neurons) in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), the largest population of LepRb neurons in the brain stem, mediate this process. Application of noxious stimuli, which often signal the need to mobilize glucose to support an appropriate response, activated PAG LepRb neurons, which project to and activate parabrachial nucleus (PBN) neurons that control SNS activation and glucose mobilization. Furthermore, activating PAG LepRb neurons increased SNS activity and blood glucose concentrations, while ablating LepRb in PAG neurons augmented glucose mobilization in response to noxious stimuli. Thus, decreased leptin action on PAG LepRb neurons augments the autonomic response to noxious stimuli, ensuring sufficient glucose mobilization during periods of acute demand in the face of diminished energy stores.

Eating 'Junk-Food' Produces Rapid and Long-Lasting Increases in NAc CP-AMPA Receptors: Implications for Enhanced Cue-Induced Motivation and Food Addiction.

Urges to eat are influenced by stimuli in the environment that are associated with food (food cues). Obese people are more sensitive to food cues, reporting stronger craving and consuming larger portions after food cue exposure. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) mediates cue-triggered motivational responses, and activations in the NAc triggered by food cues are stronger in people who are susceptible to obesity. This has led to the idea that alterations in NAc function similar to those underlying drug addiction may contribute to obesity, particularly in obesity-susceptible individuals. Motivational responses are mediated in part by NAc AMPA receptor (AMPAR) transmission, and recent work shows that cue-triggered motivation is enhanced in obesity-susceptible rats after 'junk-food' diet consumption. Therefore, here we determined whether NAc AMPAR expression and function is increased by 'junk-food' diet consumption in obesity-susceptible vs -resistant populations using both outbred and selectively bred models of susceptibility. In addition, cocaine-induced locomotor activity was used as a general 'read out' of mesolimbic function after 'junk-food' consumption. We found a sensitized locomotor response to cocaine in rats that gained weight on a 'junk-food' diet, consistent with greater responsivity of mesolimbic circuits in obesity-susceptible groups. In addition, eating 'junk-food' increased NAc calcium-permeable-AMPAR (CP-AMPAR) function only in obesity-susceptible rats. This increase occurred rapidly, persisted for weeks after 'junk-food' consumption ceased, and preceded the development of obesity. These data are considered in light of enhanced cue-triggered motivation and striatal function in obesity-susceptible rats and the role of NAc CP-AMPARs in enhanced motivation and addiction.

Mechanical injury modulates AMPA receptor kinetics via an NMDA receptor-dependent pathway.

Alterations in glutamatergic transmission are thought to contribute to secondary neuronal damage following traumatic brain injury. Using an in vitro cell injury model, we previously demonstrated an apparent reduction in AMPA receptor desensitization and resultant potentiation of AMPA-evoked currents after stretch injury of cultured neonatal rat cortical neurons. In the present study, we sought to further characterize injury-induced enhancement of AMPA current and elucidate the mechanisms responsible for this pathological process. Using the patch-clamp technique, agonist-activated currents were recorded from control and injured neurons. Potentiation of AMPA-mediated currents occurred quickly, within 15-30 min following injury, and persisted for at least 24 h. Stretch-injury slowed the activation and desensitization of AMPA mediated currents recorded from excised outside-out patches. The co-application of 100 microM AMPA and 20 microM thiocyanate enhanced AMPA receptor desensitization in control neurons and restored desensitization in injured neurons. The potentiation of AMPA-elicited current was prevented by the NMDA receptor antagonist D-APV (20 microM) or the CaMKII inhibitor KN93 (10 microM). These results suggest that mechanical injury initiates a biochemical cascade that involves NMDA receptor and CaMKII activation and produces a long-lasting reduction of AMPA receptor desensitization, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury.

Potentiation of GABA(A) currents after mechanical injury of cortical neurons.

Numerous studies have implicated glutamate receptors, glutamate neurotoxicity, and hyperexcitation in the pathobiology of traumatic brain injury, yet much less is known about the effects of neurotrauma on inhibitory GABA channels of the brain. Using an in vitro cell injury model, we tested whether mild stretch injury altered the GABA(A) currents of cultured rat cortical neurons. The application of 1-100 microM GABA to single pyramidal neurons voltage clamped to -60 mV activated an inward current that reversed near 0 mV in solutions containing symmetrical [Cl-]. This current was inhibited by bicuculline, consistent with mediation by GABA(A) receptor channels. In injured neurons, 50 microM GABA elicited a peak current density of 41.2 +/- 2.6 pA/pF (n = 82), which was significantly larger than in uninjured control neurons, 20.2 +/- 1.7 pA/pF (n = 69, p < 0.01). The GABA(A) currents of injured neurons did not differ from those of control neurons in their sensitivity to GABA or their reversal potentials, suggesting that GABA current potentiation did not result from changes in the agonist affinity or ionic selectivity of the channels. GABA current potentiation was prevented by injuring neurons in the presence of the NMDA antagonist APV, or the CaMKII inhibitor KN93. These results thus suggest that NMDA receptor activation following neuronal injury may potentiate GABA(A) channels through the activation of CaMKII. The increase in GABA(A) receptor function observed following injury could potentially contribute to dysfunctional synaptic function and information processing as well as unconsciousness and coma following human brain trauma.

Leptin-inhibited PBN neurons enhance responses to hypoglycemia in negative energy balance.

Hypoglycemia initiates the counter-regulatory response (CRR), in which the sympathetic nervous system, glucagon and glucocorticoids restore glucose to appropriate concentrations. During starvation, low leptin levels restrain energy utilization, enhancing long-term survival. To ensure short-term survival during hypoglycemia in fasted animals, the CRR must overcome this energy-sparing program and nutrient depletion. Here we identify in mice a previously unrecognized role for leptin and a population of leptin-regulated neurons that modulate the CRR to meet these challenges. Hypoglycemia activates neurons of the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) that coexpress leptin receptor (LepRb) and cholecystokinin (CCK) (PBN LepRb(CCK) neurons), which project to the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus. Leptin inhibits these cells, and Cck(cre)-mediated ablation of LepRb enhances the CRR. Inhibition of PBN LepRb cells blunts the CRR, whereas their activation mimics the CRR in a CCK-dependent manner. PBN LepRb(CCK) neurons are a crucial component of the CRR system and may be a therapeutic target in hypoglycemia.