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The use of antidepressants during pregnancy benefits the mother's well-being, but the effects of such substances on neurodevelopment remain poorly understood. Moreover, the consequences of early exposure to antidepressants may not be immediately apparent at birth. In utero exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been related to developmental abnormalities, including a reduced white matter volume. Several reports have observed an increased incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after prenatal exposure to SSRIs such as sertraline, the most widely prescribed SSRI. The advent of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) methods and assays now offers appropriate tools to test the consequences of such compounds for neurodevelopment in vitro. In particular, hiPSCs can be used to generate cerebral organoids - self-organized structures that recapitulate the morphology and complex physiology of the developing human brain, overcoming the limitations found in 2D cell culture and experimental animal models for testing drug efficacy and side effects. For example, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and electrophysiological measurements on organoids can be used to evaluate the impact of antidepressants on the transcriptome and neuronal activity signatures in developing neurons. While the analysis of large-scale transcriptomic data depends on dimensionality reduction methods, electrophysiological recordings rely on temporal data series to discriminate statistical characteristics of neuronal activity, allowing for the rigorous analysis of the effects of antidepressants and other molecules that affect the developing nervous system, especially when applied in combination with relevant human cellular models such as brain organoids.
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Trastorno del Espectro Autista , Inhibidores Selectivos de la Recaptación de Serotonina , Embarazo , Femenino , Recién Nacido , Animales , Humanos , Inhibidores Selectivos de la Recaptación de Serotonina/farmacología , Trastorno del Espectro Autista/tratamiento farmacológico , Trastorno del Espectro Autista/epidemiología , Antidepresivos/farmacología , Antidepresivos/uso terapéutico , Encéfalo , OrganoidesRESUMEN
Purinergic receptors regulate the processing of neural information in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, structures related to cognitive functions. These receptors are activated when astrocytic and neuronal populations release adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in an autocrine and paracrine manner, following sustained patterns of neuronal activity. The modulation by these receptors of GABAergic transmission has only recently been studied. Through their ramifications, astrocytes and GABAergic interneurons reach large groups of excitatory pyramidal neurons. Their inhibitory effect establishes different synchronization patterns that determine gamma frequency rhythms, which characterize neural activities related to cognitive processes. During early life, GABAergic-mediated synchronization of excitatory signals directs the experience-driven maturation of cognitive development, and dysfunctions concerning this process have been associated with neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Purinergic receptors timely modulate GABAergic control over ongoing neural activity and deeply affect neural processing in the hippocampal and neocortical circuitry. Stimulation of A2 receptors increases GABA release from presynaptic terminals, leading to a considerable reduction in neuronal firing of pyramidal neurons. A1 receptors inhibit GABAergic activity but only act in the early postnatal period when GABA produces excitatory signals. P2X and P2Y receptors expressed in pyramidal neurons reduce the inhibitory tone by blocking GABAA receptors. Finally, P2Y receptor activation elicits depolarization of GABAergic neurons and increases GABA release, thus favoring the emergence of gamma oscillations. The present review provides an overall picture of purinergic influence on GABAergic transmission and its consequences on neural processing, extending the discussion to receptor subtypes and their involvement in the onset of brain disorders, including epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
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Serotonergic neurons constitute one of the main systems of neuromodulators, whose diffuse projections regulate the functions of the cerebral cortex. Serotonin (5-HT) is known to play a crucial role in the differential modulation of cortical activity related to behavioral contexts. Some features of the 5-HT signaling organization suggest its possible participation as a modulator of activity-dependent synaptic changes during the critical period of the primary visual cortex (V1). Cells of the serotonergic system are among the first neurons to differentiate and operate. During postnatal development, ramifications from raphe nuclei become massively distributed in the visual cortical area, remarkably increasing the availability of 5-HT for the regulation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity. A substantial amount of evidence has demonstrated that synaptic plasticity at pyramidal neurons of the superficial layers of V1 critically depends on a fine regulation of the balance between excitation and inhibition (E/I). 5-HT could therefore play an important role in controlling this balance, providing the appropriate excitability conditions that favor synaptic modifications. In order to explore this possibility, the present work used in vitro intracellular electrophysiological recording techniques to study the effects of 5-HT on the E/I balance of V1 layer 2/3 neurons, during the critical period. Serotonergic action on the E/I balance has been analyzed on spontaneous activity, evoked synaptic responses, and long-term depression (LTD). Our results pointed out that the predominant action of 5-HT implies a reduction in the E/I balance. 5-HT promoted LTD at excitatory synapses while blocking it at inhibitory synaptic sites, thus shifting the Hebbian alterations of synaptic strength towards lower levels of E/I balance.
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Corteza Cerebral , Serotonina , Período Crítico Psicológico , Plasticidad Neuronal , Neuronas SerotoninérgicasRESUMEN
Metaplasticity is the regulation of synaptic plasticity based on the history of previous synaptic activation. This concept was formulated after observing that synaptic changes in the visual cortex are not fixed, but dynamic and dependent on the history of visual information flux. In visual cortical neurons, sustained synaptic stimulation activate the enzymatic complex NOX2, resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). NOX2 is the main molecular structure responsible for translating neural activity into redox modulation of intracellular signaling pathways involved in plastic changes. Here, we studied the interaction between NOX2 and visual experience as metaplastic factors regulating synaptic plasticity at the supergranular layers of the mouse visual cortex. We found that genetic inhibition of NOX2 reverses the polarizing effects of dark rearing from LTP to LTD. In addition, we demonstrate that this process relies on changes in the NMDA receptor functioning. Altogether, this work indicates a role of ROS in the activity-dependent regulation of cortical synaptic plasticity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Synaptic plasticity in the visual cortex is modulated by the history of sensory experience and this modulation has been defined as metaplasticity. Dark rearing facilitates synaptic potentiation as a mechanism optimizing the range of synaptic modification. This process requires the production of reactive oxygen species mediated by the enzymatic complex NOX2. If the activity of NOX2 is inhibited, then visual deprivation results in synaptic depression. These findings increase our knowledge about metaplasticity and help in our understanding of how neural activity modulates cellular mechanisms of synaptic change.
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NADPH Oxidasa 2/metabolismo , Plasticidad Neuronal/fisiología , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Corteza Visual/fisiología , Animales , Femenino , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BLRESUMEN
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are signaling factors involved in many intracellular transduction pathways. In the nervous system, ROS are thought to modulate various mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. One important source of ROS production in the brain is the NADPH oxidase complex. Stimulation of NMDA receptors activates NADPH oxidase, which provides selective oxidative responses accompanying the induction of synaptic changes. The activity of NADPH oxidase is known to be crucial for the induction of LTP in the hippocampus. However, the involvement of this complex in cortical synaptic plasticity is still unclear. Here we provide evidence that genetic ablation of NOX2 (the prototypical member of NADPH oxidase family of proteins) suppresses LTP and LTD in the primary visual cortex of the mouse. We also found that the involvement of NOX2 on LTP is partially age-dependent, as the activity of this complex is not critical for mechanisms of synaptic potentiation occurring in immature animals. Furthermore, we show that inhibition of NOX2 reduces the NMDA receptor function, suggesting a possible mechanism that could be the basis of the effects on synaptic plasticity.
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Envejecimiento/fisiología , Potenciación a Largo Plazo/fisiología , Depresión Sináptica a Largo Plazo/fisiología , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/fisiología , NADPH Oxidasas/fisiología , Corteza Visual/metabolismo , Acetofenonas/farmacología , Animales , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Maleato de Dizocilpina/farmacología , Activación Enzimática , Antagonistas de Aminoácidos Excitadores/farmacología , Masculino , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/antagonistas & inhibidores , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/genética , Potenciales de la Membrana/efectos de los fármacos , Potenciales de la Membrana/fisiología , Ratones , Ratones Noqueados , N-Metilaspartato/antagonistas & inhibidores , N-Metilaspartato/fisiología , NADPH Oxidasa 2 , NADPH Oxidasas/antagonistas & inhibidores , NADPH Oxidasas/genética , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Corteza Visual/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Synaptic plasticity constitutes a fundamental process in the reorganization of neural networks that underlie memory, cognition, emotional responses, and behavioral planning. At the core of this phenomenon lie Hebbian mechanisms, wherein frequent synaptic stimulation induces long-term potentiation (LTP), while less activation leads to long-term depression (LTD). The synaptic reorganization of neuronal networks is regulated by serotonin (5-HT), a neuromodulator capable of modify synaptic plasticity to appropriately respond to mental and behavioral states, such as alertness, attention, concentration, motivation, and mood. Lately, understanding the serotonergic Neuromodulation of synaptic plasticity has become imperative for unraveling its impact on cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions. Through a comparative analysis across three main forebrain structures-the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, this review discusses the actions of 5-HT on synaptic plasticity, offering insights into its role as a neuromodulator involved in emotional and cognitive functions. By distinguishing between plastic and metaplastic effects, we provide a comprehensive overview about the mechanisms of 5-HT neuromodulation of synaptic plasticity and associated functions across different brain regions.
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Plasticidad Neuronal , Serotonina , Plasticidad Neuronal/fisiología , Plasticidad Neuronal/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Serotonina/metabolismo , Serotonina/fisiología , Humanos , Encéfalo/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Synaptic plasticity is one of the putative mechanisms involved in the maturation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during postnatal development. Early life stress (ELS) affects the shaping of cortical circuitries through impairment of synaptic plasticity supporting the onset of mood disorders. Growing evidence suggests that dysfunctional postnatal maturation of the prelimbic division (PL) of the PFC might be related to the emergence of depression. The potassium channel TREK-1 has attracted particular interest among many factors that modulate plasticity, concerning synaptic modifications that could underlie mood disorders. Studies have found that ablation of TREK-1 increases the resilience to depression, while rats exposed to ELS exhibit higher TREK-1 levels in the PL. TREK-1 is regulated by multiple intracellular transduction pathways including the ones activated by metabotropic receptors. In the hippocampal neurons, TREK-1 interacts with the serotonergic system, one of the main factors involved in the action of antidepressants. To investigate possible mechanisms related to the antidepressant role of TREK-1, we used brain slice electrophysiology to evaluate the effects of TREK-1 pharmacological blockade on synaptic plasticity at PL circuitry. We extended this investigation to animals subjected to ELS. Our findings suggest that in non-stressed animals, TREK-1 activity is required for the reduction of synaptic responses mediated by the 5HT1A receptor activation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that TREK-1 blockade promotes activity-dependent long-term depression (LTD) when acting in synergy with 5HT1A receptor stimulation. On the other hand, in ELS animals, TREK-1 blockade reduces synaptic transmission and facilitates LTD expression. These results indicate that TREK-1 inhibition stimulates synaptic plasticity in the PL and this effect is more pronounced in animals subjected to ELS during postnatal development.
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Plasticidad Neuronal , Canales de Potasio de Dominio Poro en Tándem , Ratas , Animales , Plasticidad Neuronal/fisiología , Corteza Cerebral , Hipocampo/fisiología , Canales de Potasio de Dominio Poro en Tándem/genética , Transmisión Sináptica/fisiología , Corteza Prefrontal , Antidepresivos/farmacología , Depresión Sináptica a Largo Plazo/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Glutamatergic pathways in various thalamic and cortical circuits have been classified into two types: Class 1 and Class 2, where it has been suggested that Class 1 carries the main information for processing, and Class 2 is mainly modulatory. We now extend this to the local circuitry of visual cortex of the mouse by demonstrating the modulatory actions on the Class 1 pathway from layer 4 to layers 2/3 of a Class 2 input from adjacent locations in layers 2/3. We found that this Class 2 input produces a long-lasting hyperpolarization and suppresses the initial responses of input from layer 4 and that this involves the postsynaptic activation of Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors. This modulation also shifts the paired pulse ratio of the layer 4 input from depression to facilitation.
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Inhibición Neural/fisiología , Receptores de Glutamato Metabotrópico/fisiología , Corteza Visual/fisiología , Animales , Estimulación Eléctrica/métodos , Agonistas de Aminoácidos Excitadores/farmacología , Antagonistas de Aminoácidos Excitadores/farmacología , Potenciales Postsinápticos Excitadores/fisiología , Femenino , Técnicas In Vitro , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Inhibición Neural/efectos de los fármacos , Vías Nerviosas/efectos de los fármacos , Vías Nerviosas/fisiología , Receptores de Glutamato Metabotrópico/agonistas , Receptores de Glutamato Metabotrópico/antagonistas & inhibidores , Corteza Visual/efectos de los fármacos , Corteza Visual/metabolismoRESUMEN
Metaplasticity, the adaptive changes of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in response to fluctuations in neural activity is well documented in visual cortex, where dark rearing shifts the frequency threshold for the induction of LTP and LTD. Here we studied metaplasticity affecting spike-timing-dependent plasticity, in which the polarity of plasticity is determined not by the stimulation frequency, but by the temporal relationship between near-coincidental presynaptic and postsynaptic firing. We found that in mouse visual cortex the same regime of deprivation that restricts the frequency range for inducing rate-dependent LTD extends the integration window for inducing timing-dependent LTD, enabling LTD induction with random presynaptic and postsynaptic firing. Notably, the underlying mechanism for the changes in both rate-dependent and time-dependent LTD appears to be an increase of NR2b-containing NMDAR at the synapse. Thus, the rules of metaplasticity might manifest in opposite directions, depending on the plasticity-induction paradigms.
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Potenciales de Acción/fisiología , Oscuridad , Plasticidad Neuronal/fisiología , Corteza Visual/citología , 6-Ciano 7-nitroquinoxalina 2,3-diona/farmacología , Potenciales de Acción/efectos de los fármacos , Análisis de Varianza , Animales , Biofisica , Estimulación Eléctrica , Antagonistas de Aminoácidos Excitadores/farmacología , Femenino , Antagonistas del GABA/farmacología , Técnicas In Vitro , Potenciación a Largo Plazo/efectos de los fármacos , Potenciación a Largo Plazo/fisiología , Depresión Sináptica a Largo Plazo/efectos de los fármacos , Depresión Sináptica a Largo Plazo/fisiología , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Plasticidad Neuronal/efectos de los fármacos , Técnicas de Placa-Clamp , Piridazinas/farmacología , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
Using a mouse brain slice preparation, we studied the modulatory effects of a feedback projection from higher visual cortical areas, mostly or exclusively area LM (or V2), on two inputs to layer 4 cells in the first visual area (V1). The two inputs to these cells were geniculocortical and an unspecified intracortical input, possibly involving layer 6 cells. We found that activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) from stimulation of the feedback projection reduced the evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents of both of these inputs to layer 4 but that this modulation acts in an input-specific way. Reducing the strength of the geniculocortical input in adults involved both presynaptic and postsynaptic group I mGluRs (although in younger animals presynaptic group II mGluRs were also involved), whereas modulation of the intracortical input acted entirely via postsynaptic group II mGluRs. These results demonstrate that one of the effects of this feedback pathway is to control the gain of geniculocortical transmission.
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Retroalimentación Fisiológica , Corteza Visual/fisiología , Animales , Potenciales Postsinápticos Excitadores , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Neuronas/metabolismo , Neuronas/fisiología , Receptores de Glutamato Metabotrópico/agonistas , Receptores de Glutamato Metabotrópico/metabolismo , Sinapsis/metabolismo , Sinapsis/fisiología , Corteza Visual/citologíaRESUMEN
Despite the importance of corticocortical connections, few published studies have investigated the functional, synaptic properties of such connections in any species, because most studies have been purely anatomical or aimed at functional features other than synaptic properties. We recently published a study of synaptic properties of connections between the primary and secondary cortical auditory areas in brain slices from the mouse, and, in the present study, we aimed to extend this by performing analogous studies of the primary and secondary visual areas (V1 and V2). We found effectively the same results. That is, connections between V1 and V2 in both directions were quite similar; in each case, the glutamatergic inputs could be classified as one of two types, Class 1B (formerly "driver") and Class 2 (formerly "modulator"). There is a clear laminar correlation for these different inputs, in terms of both the laminae of origin and those in which the recorded cells were located. Our data suggest a common pattern to the functional organization of corticocortical connectivity in the mouse cortex.
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Neuronas/citología , Sinapsis/fisiología , Corteza Visual/citología , Vías Visuales/fisiología , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Biofisica , Estimulación Eléctrica/métodos , Antagonistas de Aminoácidos Excitadores/farmacología , Potenciales Postsinápticos Excitadores/efectos de los fármacos , Femenino , Antagonistas del GABA/farmacología , Ácido Glutámico/farmacología , Técnicas In Vitro , Potenciales Postsinápticos Inhibidores/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Red Nerviosa/efectos de los fármacos , Red Nerviosa/fisiología , Técnicas de Placa-Clamp , Estimulación Luminosa/métodos , Receptores de Glutamato Metabotrópico/metabolismo , Estilbenos/farmacología , Sinapsis/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Important functions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) are established during early life, when neurons exhibit enhanced synaptic plasticity and synaptogenesis. This developmental stage drives the organization of cortical connectivity, responsible for establishing behavioral patterns. Serotonin (5-HT) emerges among the most significant factors that modulate brain activity during postnatal development. In the PFC, activated 5-HT receptors modify neuronal excitability and interact with intracellular signaling involved in synaptic modifications, thus suggesting that 5-HT might participate in early postnatal plasticity. To test this hypothesis, we employed intracellular electrophysiological recordings of PFC layer 5 neurons to study the modulatory effects of 5-HT on plasticity induced by theta-burst stimulation (TBS) in two postnatal periods of rats. Our results indicate that 5-HT is essential for TBS to result in synaptic changes during the third postnatal week, but not later. TBS coupled with 5-HT2A or 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors stimulation leads to long-term depression (LTD). On the other hand, TBS and synergic activation of 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT7 receptors lead to long-term potentiation (LTP). Finally, we also show that 5-HT dependent synaptic plasticity of the PFC is impaired in animals that are exposed to early-life chronic stress.
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Plasticidad Neuronal , Corteza Prefrontal , Serotonina , Animales , Ratas , Potenciación a Largo Plazo/fisiología , Plasticidad Neuronal/fisiología , Corteza Prefrontal/crecimiento & desarrollo , Receptores de Serotonina/metabolismo , Serotonina/metabolismo , Ritmo TetaRESUMEN
Experience-dependent plasticity in the cortex is often higher during short critical periods in postnatal development. The mechanisms limiting adult cortical plasticity are still unclear. Maturation of intracortical GABAergic inhibition is suggested to be crucial for the closure of the critical period for ocular dominance (OD) plasticity in the visual cortex. We find that reduction of GABAergic transmission in the adult rat visual cortex partially reactivates OD plasticity in response to monocular deprivation (MD). This is accompanied by an enhancement of activity-dependent potentiation of synaptic efficacy but not of activity-dependent depression. We also found a decrease in the expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in the visual cortex of MD animals with reduced inhibition, after the reactivation of OD plasticity. Thus, intracortical inhibition is a crucial limiting factor for the induction of experience-dependent plasticity in the adult visual cortex.
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Predominio Ocular/fisiología , Inhibición Neural/fisiología , Plasticidad Neuronal/fisiología , Corteza Visual/fisiología , Factores de Edad , Animales , Potenciales Evocados Visuales/fisiología , Ratas , Ratas Long-EvansRESUMEN
Loss of visual acuity caused by abnormal visual experience during development (amblyopia) is an untreatable pathology in adults. We report that environmental enrichment in adult amblyopic rats restored normal visual acuity and ocular dominance. These effects were due to reduced GABAergic inhibition in the visual cortex, accompanied by increased expression of BDNF and reduced density of extracellular-matrix perineuronal nets, and were prevented by enhancement of inhibition through benzodiazepine cortical infusion.
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Ambliopía/fisiopatología , Ambiente , Inhibición Neural/fisiología , Recuperación de la Función/fisiología , Agudeza Visual/fisiología , Corteza Visual/fisiopatología , Animales , Factor Neurotrófico Derivado del Encéfalo/metabolismo , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión/métodos , Predominio Ocular , Lateralidad Funcional , Regulación de la Expresión Génica/fisiología , Potenciación a Largo Plazo/fisiología , Microdiálisis/métodos , Plasticidad Neuronal/fisiología , Ratas , Ratas Long-Evans , Privación Sensorial/fisiología , Ácido gamma-Aminobutírico/metabolismoRESUMEN
It has been demonstrated that the complex sensorimotor and social stimulation achieved by rearing animals in an enriched environment (EE) can reinstate juvenile-like plasticity in the adult cortex. However, it is not known whether EE can affect thalamocortical transmission. Here, we recorded in vivo field potentials from the visual cortex evoked by electrical stimulation of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) in anesthetized rats. We found that a period of EE during adulthood shifted the input-output curves and increased paired-pulse depression, suggesting an enhanced synaptic strength at thalamocortical terminals. Accordingly, EE animals showed an increased expression of the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (vGluT-2) in geniculocortical afferents to layer IV. Rats reared in EE also showed an enhancement of thalamocortical long-term potentiation (LTP) triggered by theta-burst stimulation (TBS) of the dLGN. To monitor the functional consequences of increased LTP in EE rats, we recorded visual evoked potentials (VEPs) before and after application of TBS to the geniculocortical pathway. We found that responses to visual stimulation were enhanced across a range of contrasts in EE animals. This was accompanied by an up-regulation of the intracortical excitatory synaptic marker vGluT-1 and a decrease in the expression of the vesicular GABA transporter (vGAT), indicating a shift in the excitation/inhibition ratio. Thus, in the adult rat, EE enhances synaptic strength and plasticity of the thalamocortical pathway associated with specific changes in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. These data provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which EE shapes the adult brain.
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Ambiente Controlado , Cuerpos Geniculados/fisiología , Plasticidad Neuronal/fisiología , Transmisión Sináptica/fisiología , Corteza Visual/fisiología , Vías Visuales/fisiología , Animales , Cuerpos Geniculados/citología , Potenciales Postsinápticos Inhibidores/fisiología , Estimulación Física/métodos , Ratas , Ratas Long-Evans , Corteza Visual/citología , Vías Visuales/citologíaRESUMEN
Models of firing rate homeostasis such as synaptic scaling and the sliding synaptic plasticity modification threshold predict that decreasing neuronal activity (for example, by sensory deprivation) will enhance synaptic function. Manipulations of cortical activity during two forms of visual deprivation, dark exposure (DE) and binocular lid suture, revealed that, contrary to expectations, spontaneous firing in conjunction with loss of visual input is necessary to lower the threshold for Hebbian plasticity and increase miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) amplitude. Blocking activation of GluN2B receptors, which are upregulated by DE, also prevented the increase in mEPSC amplitude, suggesting that DE potentiates mEPSCs primarily through a Hebbian mechanism, not through synaptic scaling. Nevertheless, NMDA-receptor-independent changes in mEPSC amplitude consistent with synaptic scaling could be induced by extreme reductions of activity. Therefore, two distinct mechanisms operate within different ranges of neuronal activity to homeostatically regulate synaptic strength.
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Homeostasis/fisiología , Aprendizaje/fisiología , Plasticidad Neuronal/fisiología , Animales , Corteza Cerebral/fisiología , Oscuridad , Fenómenos Electrofisiológicos/fisiología , Potenciales Postsinápticos Excitadores/fisiología , Moduladores del GABA/farmacología , Potenciación a Largo Plazo/fisiología , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/fisiología , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato/antagonistas & inhibidores , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato/fisiología , Privación SensorialRESUMEN
In the mammalian central nervous system, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is counterbalanced by antioxidant defenses. When large amounts of ROS accumulate, antioxidant mechanisms become overwhelmed and oxidative cellular stress may occur. Therefore, ROS are typically characterized as toxic molecules, oxidizing membrane lipids, changing the conformation of proteins, damaging nucleic acids, and causing deficits in synaptic plasticity. High ROS concentrations are associated with a decline in cognitive functions, as observed in some neurodegenerative disorders and age-dependent decay of neuroplasticity. Nevertheless, controlled ROS production provides the optimal redox state for the activation of transductional pathways involved in synaptic changes. Since ROS may regulate neuronal activity and elicit negative effects at the same time, the distinction between beneficial and deleterious consequences is unclear. In this regard, this review assesses current research and describes the main sources of ROS in neurons, specifying their involvement in synaptic plasticity and distinguishing between physiological and pathological processes implicated.
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ERK 1,2 pathway mediates experience-dependent gene transcription in neurons and several studies have identified its pivotal role in experience-dependent synaptic plasticity and in forms of long term memory involving hippocampus, amygdala, or striatum. The perirhinal cortex (PRHC) plays an essential role in familiarity-based object recognition memory. It is still unknown whether ERK activation in PRHC is necessary for recognition memory consolidation. Most important, it is unknown whether by modulating the gain of the ERK pathway it is possible to bidirectionally affect visual recognition memory and PRHC synaptic plasticity. We have first pharmacologically blocked ERK activation in the PRHC of adult mice and found that this was sufficient to impair long term recognition memory in a familiarity-based task, the object recognition task (ORT). We have then tested performance in the ORT in Ras-GRF1 knock-out (KO) mice, which exhibit a reduced activation of ERK by neuronal activity, and in ERK1 KO mice, which have an increased activation of ERK2 and exhibit enhanced striatal plasticity and striatal mediated memory. We found that Ras-GRF1 KO mice have normal short term memory but display a long term memory deficit; memory reconsolidation is also impaired. On the contrary, ERK1 KO mice exhibit a better performance than WT mice at 72 h retention interval, suggesting a longer lasting recognition memory. In parallel with behavioral data, LTD was strongly reduced and LTP was significantly smaller in PRHC slices from Ras-GRF1 KO than in WT mice while enhanced LTP and LTD were found in PRHC slices from ERK1 KO mice.
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A crucial issue in neurobiology is to understand the main mechanisms restricting neural plasticity to brief windows of early postnatal life. The visual system is one of the paradigmatic models for studying experience-dependent plasticity. The closure of one eye (monocular deprivation, MD) causes a marked ocular dominance (OD) shift of neurons in the primary visual cortex only during the critical period. Here, we report that environmental enrichment (EE), a condition of increased sensory-motor stimulation, reactivates OD plasticity in the adult visual cortex, as assessed with both visual evoked potentials and single-unit recordings. This effect is accompanied by a marked increase in cerebral serotonin (5-HT) levels. Blocking 5-HT enhancement in the visual cortex of EE rats completely prevents the OD shift induced by MD. We also found that EE leads to a reduced intracortical GABAergic inhibition and an increased BDNF expression and that the modulation of these molecular factors is neutralized by cortical infusion of the 5-HT synthesis inhibitor pCPA. Our results show that EE rejuvenates the adult visual cortex and that 5-HT is a crucial factor in this process, triggering a cascade of molecular events that allow the reinstatement of neural plasticity. The non-invasive nature of EE makes this paradigm particularly eligible for clinical application.