RESUMEN
Glutamate excitotoxicity accompanies numerous brain pathologies, including traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, and epilepsy. Disturbances of the ion homeostasis, mitochondria dysfunction, and further cell death are considered the main detrimental consequences of excitotoxicity. It is well known that neurons demonstrate different vulnerability to pathological exposures. In this regard, neurons containing calcium-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs) may show higher susceptibility to excitotoxicity due to an additional pathway of Ca2+ influx. Here, we demonstrate that neurons containing CP-AMPARs are characterized by the higher amplitude of the glutamate-induced elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and slower restoration of [Ca2+]i level compared to non-CP-AMPA neurons. Moreover, we have found that NASPM, an antagonist of CP-AMPARs, significantly decreases the amplitude of the [Ca2+]i elevation induced by glutamate or selective AMPARs agonist, 5-fluorowillardiine. In contrast, the antagonists of NMDARs or KARs affect insignificantly. We have also described some peculiarities of Na+, K+, and H+ intracellular dynamics in neurons containing CP-AMPARs. In particular, the amplitude of [Na+]i elevation was lower compared to non-CP-AMPA neurons, whereas the amplitude of [K+]i decrease was higher. We have shown the significant inverse correlation between [K+]i and [Ca2+]i and between intracellular pH and [Na+]i in CP-AMPARs-containing and non-CP-AMPA neurons upon glutamate excitotoxicity. Our data indicate that CP-AMPARs-mediated Ca2+ influx and slow removal of Ca2+ from the cytosol may underlie the vulnerability of the CP-AMPARs-containing neurons to glutamate excitotoxicity. Further studies of the mechanisms mediating the disturbances in ion homeostasis are crucial for developing new approaches for protecting these neurons at brain pathologies.
Asunto(s)
Calcio , Receptores AMPA , Receptores AMPA/fisiología , Ácido alfa-Amino-3-hidroxi-5-metil-4-isoxazol Propiónico/metabolismo , Calcio/metabolismo , Neuronas/metabolismo , Ácido Glutámico/metabolismo , HomeostasisRESUMEN
Astrocytic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are heterotetramers, whose expression and properties are largely determined by their subunit composition. Astrocytic NMDARs are characterized by a low sensitivity to magnesium ions and low calcium conductivity. Their activation plays an important role in the regulation of various intracellular processes, such as gene expression and mitochondrial function. Astrocytic NMDARs are involved in calcium signaling in astrocytes and can act through the ionotropic and metabotropic pathways. Astrocytic NMDARs participate in the interactions of the neuroglia, thus affecting synaptic plasticity. They are also engaged in the astrocyte-vascular interactions and contribute to the regulation of vascular tone. Astrocytic NMDARs are involved in various pathologies, such as ischemia and hyperammonemia, and their blockade prevents negative changes in astrocytes during these diseases.
Asunto(s)
Astrocitos , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato/metabolismo , Astrocitos/metabolismo , Humanos , Animales , Señalización del Calcio , Plasticidad NeuronalRESUMEN
Calcium-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs) play a pivotal role in brain functioning in health and disease. They are involved in synaptic plasticity, synaptogenesis, and neuronal circuits development. However, the functions of neurons expressing CP-AMPARs and their role in the modulation of network activity remain elusive since reliable and accurate visualization methods are absent. Here we developed an approach allowing the vital identification of neurons containing CP-AMPARs. The proposed method relies on evaluating Ca2+ influx in neurons during activation of AMPARs in the presence of NMDAR and KAR antagonists, and blockers of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Using this method, we studied the properties of CP-AMPARs-containing neurons. We showed that the overwhelming majority of neurons containing CP-AMPARs are GABAergic, and they are distinguished by higher amplitudes of the calcium responses to applications of the agonists. Furthermore, about 30% of CP-AMPARs-containing neurons demonstrate the presence of GluK1-containing KARs. Although CP-AMPARs-containing neurons are characterized by more significant Ca2+ influx during the activation of AMPARs than other neurons, AMPAR-mediated Na+ influx is similar in these two groups. We revealed that neurons containing CP-AMPARs demonstrate weak GABA(A)R-mediated inhibition because of the low percentage of GABAergic synapses on the soma of these cells. However, our data show that weak GABA(A)R-mediated inhibition is inherent to all GABAergic neurons in the culture and cannot be considered a unique feature of CP-AMPARs-containing neurons. We believe that the suggested approach will help to understand the role of CP-AMPARs in the mammalian nervous system in more detail.
Asunto(s)
Calcio , Receptores AMPA , Animales , Receptores AMPA/fisiología , Calcio/metabolismo , Neuronas/metabolismo , Sinapsis/metabolismo , Ácido gamma-Aminobutírico , Mamíferos/metabolismoRESUMEN
Abnormal depolarization of neuronal membranes called paroxysmal depolarization shift (PDS) represents a cellular correlate of interictal spikes. The mechanisms underlying the generation of PDSs or PDS clusters remain obscure. This study aimed to investigate the role of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) in the generation of PDS and dependence of the PDS pattern on neuronal membrane potential. We have shown that significant depolarization or hyperpolarization (by more than ±50 mV) of a single neuron does not change the number of individual PDSs in the cluster, indicating the involvement of an external stimulus in PDS induction. Based on this data, we have suggested reliable protocols for stimulating single PDS or PDS clusters. Furthermore, we have found that AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptors are necessary for PDS generation since AMPAR antagonist NBQX completely suppresses bicuculline-induced paroxysmal activity. In turn, antagonists of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) and kainate receptors (D-AP5 and UBP310, respectively) caused a decrease in the amplitude of the first action potential in PDSs and in the amplitude of the oscillations of intracellular Ca2+ concentration occurring alongside the PDS cluster generation. The effects of the NMDAR (NMDA receptor) and KAR (kainate receptor) antagonists indicate that these receptors are involved only in the modulation of paroxysmal activity. We have also shown that agonists of some Gi-coupled receptors, such as A1 adenosine (A1Rs) or cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) (N6-cyclohexyladenosine and WIN 55,212-2, respectively), completely suppressed PDS generation, while the A1R agonist even prevented it. We hypothesized that the dynamics of extracellular glutamate concentration govern paroxysmal activity. Fine-tuning of neuronal activity via action on Gi-coupled receptors or iGluRs paves the way for the development of new approaches for epilepsy pharmacotherapy.
Asunto(s)
Hipocampo , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato , Ratas , Animales , Bicuculina/farmacología , Neuronas , Potenciales de Acción , Ácido alfa-Amino-3-hidroxi-5-metil-4-isoxazol Propiónico/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Epileptic discharges manifest in individual neurons as abnormal membrane potential fluctuations called paroxysmal depolarization shift (PDS). PDSs can combine into clusters that are accompanied by synchronous oscillations of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in neurons. Here, we investigate the contribution of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) to epileptiform activity induced in cultured hippocampal neurons by GABA(A)R antagonist, bicuculline. Using KCl-induced depolarization, we determined the optimal effective doses of the blockers. Dihydropyridines (nifedipine and isradipine) at concentrations ≤ 10 µM demonstrate greater selectivity than the blockers from other groups (phenylalkylamines and benzothiazepines). However, high doses of dihydropyridines evoke an irreversible increase in [Ca2+]i in neurons and astrocytes. In turn, verapamil and diltiazem selectively block L-type VGCC in the range of 1-10 µM, whereas high doses of these drugs block other types of VGCC. We show that L-type VGCC blockade decreases the half-width and amplitude of bicuculline-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations. We also observe a decrease in the number of PDSs in a cluster and cluster duration. However, the pattern of individual PDSs and the frequency of the cluster occurrence change insignificantly. Thus, our results demonstrate that L-type VGCC contributes to maintaining the required [Ca2+]i level during oscillations, which appears to determine the number of PDSs in the cluster.
Asunto(s)
Canales de Calcio Tipo L/metabolismo , Calcio/metabolismo , Neuronas/metabolismo , Animales , Bloqueadores de los Canales de Calcio/farmacología , Señalización del Calcio/efectos de los fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Diltiazem/farmacología , Hipocampo/efectos de los fármacos , Hipocampo/metabolismo , Potenciales de la Membrana/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Verapamilo/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Norepinephrine is one of the key neurotransmitters in the hippocampus, but its role in the functioning of the neuroglial networks remains unclear. Here we show that norepinephrine suppresses NH4 Cl-induced oscillations of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ) in hippocampal neurons. We found that the inhibitory effect of norepinephrine against ammonium-induced [Ca2+ ]i oscillations is mediated by activation of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. Furthermore, UK 14,304, an agonist of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, evokes a biphasic [Ca2+ ]i elevation in a minor population of astrocytes. This elevation consists of an initial fast, peak-shaped [Ca2+ ]i rise, mediated by Gißγ subunit and subsequent PLC-induced mobilization of Ca2+ from internal stores, and a plateau phase, mediated by a Ca2+ influx from the extracellular medium through store-operated and TRPC3 channels. We show the correlation between the Ca2+ response in astrocytes and suppression of [Ca2+ ]i oscillations in neurons. The inhibitory effect of UK 14,304 is abolished in the presence of gallein, an inhibitor of Gßγ -signaling. In turn, application of the agonist in the presence of the PLC inhibitor decreases the frequency and amplitude of [Ca2+ ]i oscillations in neurons but does not suppress them. The same effect is observed in the presence of bicuculline, a GABA(A) receptor antagonist. We demonstrate that UK 14,304 application increases the frequency and amplitude of slow outward chloride currents in neurons, indicating the release of GABA by astrocytes. Thus, our findings indicate that the activation of astrocytic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors stimulates GABA release from astrocytes via Gißγ subunit-associated signaling pathway, contributing to the suppression of neuronal activity.
Asunto(s)
Astrocitos/metabolismo , Señalización del Calcio/fisiología , Neuronas/metabolismo , Receptores Adrenérgicos alfa 2/metabolismo , Animales , Calcio/metabolismo , Norepinefrina/metabolismo , Ácido gamma-Aminobutírico/metabolismoRESUMEN
Here we report the effects of ammonium on the main biophysical features of neurons and astrocytes during the first minutes of exposure. We found that ammonium causes the depolarization of neurons, which leads to the generation of high-frequency action potentials (APs). The initial alkalization and subsequent acidification of the intracellular medium in neurons occur along with the generation of calcium oscillations. Moreover, although the kinetics of calcium response of neurons and astrocytes is different, the dynamics of changes in the intracellular pH (pHi) is similar. The rate of superoxide production and mitochondrial membrane potential do not change in most neurons and astrocytes during ammonium exposure. At the same time, we observed an increased superoxide production and a decrease in the mitochondrial potential in some neurons in response to ammonium application. However, in both cases, the amplitude of the calcium response in these neurons is significantly higher compared to other neurons. Application of UK 14,304, an agonist of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors (A-2ARs), decreased the frequency of APs upon ammonium-induced high-frequency spike activity. Moreover, we also observed periods of hyperpolarization occurred in individual neurons. We suppose that this hyperpolarization contributes to the suppression of activity and can be mediated by astrocytic GABA release, which is stimulated upon activation of A-2ARs. Thus, our findings reveal a new possible mechanism of the protective action of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists against ammonium-induced hyperexcitation and demonstrate the correlation between intracellular calcium concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential, pHi, the intensity of superoxide production in hippocampal cells under acute hyperammonemia.
Asunto(s)
Agonistas de Receptores Adrenérgicos alfa 2/uso terapéutico , Compuestos de Amonio/uso terapéutico , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/uso terapéutico , Animales , Células Cultivadas , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-DawleyRESUMEN
Kainate receptors play an important role in the brain. They contribute to postsynaptic depolarization, modulate the release of neurotransmitters such as GABA and glutamate, affect the development of the neuronal network. At the same time, their functions depend not only on the type of neuron expressing them but also on their localization (pre- or postsynaptic). It has been shown in present work that activation of kainate receptors by domoic acid stimulates the secretion of both glutamate and GABA. This effect is observed at a concentration of 100â¯nM. At higher levels (200-500â¯nM), domoic acid selectively activates a specific population of GABAergic neurons. The peculiarity of these neurons is increased excitability in the network. This phenomenon can be explained by the weak GABA(A)R-mediated inhibition, as well as by the lower activation threshold of voltage-gated channels. Moreover, activation of these GABAergic neurons by domoic acid leads to the suppression of activity in the network under ammonium-induced hyperexcitation. As shown by inhibitory analysis, this effect is mediated by GABA(A) receptors. The obtained data may be of interest since the suppression of hyperexcitation via the selective activation of GABAergic neurons can be considered as a new potential approach to the treatment of diseases accompanied by increased neuronal activity such as epilepsy, ischemia and hepatic encephalopathy.
Asunto(s)
Neuronas GABAérgicas/efectos de los fármacos , Ácido Kaínico/análogos & derivados , Receptores de Ácido Kaínico/metabolismo , Cloruro de Amonio/farmacología , Animales , Bicuculina/farmacología , Calcio/metabolismo , Neuronas GABAérgicas/metabolismo , Ácido Glutámico/metabolismo , Hipocampo/metabolismo , Ácido Kaínico/farmacología , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Receptores de GABA-A/metabolismo , Ácido gamma-Aminobutírico/metabolismoRESUMEN
In the present work we compared the protective effect of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 with the action of a PI3-kinase selective activator 740 Y-P, selective agonists of alpha-2 adrenoreceptor, guanfacine and UK-14,304, and compounds having antioxidant effect: recombinant human peroxiredoxin 6 and B27, in hippocampal cell culture during OGD (ischemia-like conditions). It has been shown that the response of cells to OGD in the control includes two phases. The first phase was accompanied by an increase in the frequency of spontaneous synchronous Ca2+-oscillations (SSCO) in neurons and Ca2+-pulse in astrocytes. Spontaneous Ca2+ events in astrocytes during ischemia in control experiments disappeared. The second phase started after a few minutes of OGD and looked like a sharp/avalanche, global synchronic (within 20 s) increase in [Ca2+]i in many cells. Within 1 h after OGD, a mass death of cells, primarily astrocytes, was observed. To study the protective action of the compounds, cells were incubated in the presence of the neuroprotective agents for 10-40 min or 24 h before ischemia. All the neuroprotective agents delayed a global [Ca2+]i increase during OGD or completely inhibited this process and increased cell survival.
Asunto(s)
Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Hipocampo/citología , Interleucina-10/metabolismo , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo , Receptores Adrenérgicos alfa 2/metabolismo , Agonistas Adrenérgicos/metabolismo , Animales , Astrocitos/citología , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Calcio/metabolismo , Muerte Celular , Supervivencia Celular , Células Cultivadas , Guanfacina/química , Isquemia/metabolismo , Oscilometría , RatasRESUMEN
Gi-coupled receptors, particularly cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), are considered perspective targets for treating brain pathologies, including epilepsy. However, the precise mechanism of the anticonvulsant effect of the CBR agonists remains unknown. We have found that WIN 55,212-2 (a CBR agonist) suppresses the synchronous oscillations of the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ ions (epileptiform activity) induced in the neurons of rat hippocampal neuron-glial cultures by bicuculline or NH4Cl. As we have demonstrated, the WIN 55,212-2 effect is mediated by CB1R receptors. The agonist suppresses Ca2+ inflow mediated by the voltage-gated calcium channels but does not alter the inflow mediated by NMDA, AMPA, and kainate receptors. We have also found that phospholipase C (PLC), protein kinase C (PKC), and G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ channels (GIRK channels) are involved in the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory action of CB1R activation against epileptiform activity. Thus, our results demonstrate that the antiepileptic action of CB1R agonists is mediated by different intracellular signaling cascades, including non-canonical PLC/PKC-associated pathways.
RESUMEN
Kainate receptors (KARs) are considered one of the key modulators of synaptic activity in the mammalian central nervous system. These receptors were discovered more than 30 years ago, but their role in brain functioning remains unclear due to some peculiarities. One such feature of these receptors is the editing of pre-mRNAs encoding GluK1 and GluK2 subunits. Despite the long history of studying this phenomenon, numerous questions remain unanswered. This review summarizes the current data about the mechanism and role of pre-mRNA editing of KAR subunits in the mammalian brain and proposes a perspective of future investigations.
Asunto(s)
Encéfalo , Receptores de Ácido Kaínico , Animales , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Humanos , Mamíferos/genética , Mamíferos/metabolismo , ARN Mensajero , Receptores de Ácido Kaínico/genética , Receptores de Ácido Kaínico/metabolismoRESUMEN
NMDA, AMPA, and kainate receptors are the principal excitatory receptors in the brain. These receptors have been considered as the main targets in the treatment of epilepsy in recent years. This work aimed to determine how the Ca2+ conductivity of ionotropic glutamate receptors and voltage-gated Ca2+ channels changes in an in vitro model of epilepsy. For induction of epileptiform activity, hippocampal neurons were exposed to Mg2+-free medium. It has been shown that removal of Mg2+ from the medium not only removes the block from the NMDA receptors but also stimulates the release of glutamate in a way that is independent of the NMDA receptors. Under these conditions, the structure of the bursts significantly differs from the spontaneous bursts arising in mature hippocampal cultures. We have demonstrated that the frequency and amplitude of Mg2+-free medium-induced Ca2+ oscillations decrease after the 60-min exposure. Besides, the Ca2+ conductivity of ionotropic glutamate receptors and voltage-gated calcium channels significantly reduces. Thus, the decrease of Ca2+ conductivity can be considered as one of the mechanisms of adaptation during epilepsy.
Asunto(s)
Canales de Calcio/efectos de los fármacos , Calcio/metabolismo , Epilepsia/metabolismo , Antagonistas de Aminoácidos Excitadores/farmacología , Animales , Epilepsia/tratamiento farmacológico , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/metabolismo , Receptores AMPA/efectos de los fármacos , Receptores AMPA/metabolismoRESUMEN
It was established in experiments on cell cultures of neurons and astrocytes that ammonium ions at concentrations of 4-8 mM cause hyperexcitation of the neuronal network, as a result of which there is a disturbance of calcium homeostasis, which can lead to the death of neurons. In the present study, we investigated the effect of toxic doses of ammonium (8 mM NH4Cl) on the activity of NMDA and AMPA receptors and the role of these receptors in spontaneous synchronous activity (SSA). In a control experiment in the absence of NH4Cl, SSA is not suppressed by NMDA receptor inhibitors, but is suppressed by AMPA receptor antagonists. In the presence of toxic doses of NH4Cl, SSA is completely inhibited by NMDA receptor inhibitors in 63% of neurons and by AMPA receptor inhibitors in 33% of neurons. After short-term applications of toxic doses of ammonium, the amplitude of the Ca2+ response to 10 µM NMDA increases, and decreases in response to 500 nM FW (agonist of AMPA receptors). NMDA receptor blocker MK-801 (20 µM), competitive antagonist D-AP5 (10 µM) and competitive AMPA receptor antagonist NBQX (2 µM) abolished the activating ammonium mediated effect on the NMDA receptors while only MK-801, but not NBQX, abolished the inhibiting ammonium mediated effect on AMPA receptors. These data indicate that under acute hyperammonemia, the activity of NMDA receptors increases, while the activity of AMPA receptors decreases. This phenomenon could explain such a wide range of toxic effects of ammonium ions mediated by NMDA receptors.
Asunto(s)
Astrocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Hiperamonemia/metabolismo , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Receptores AMPA/metabolismo , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato/metabolismo , Animales , Astrocitos/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Maleato de Dizocilpina/farmacología , Antagonistas de Aminoácidos Excitadores/farmacología , Ácido Glutámico/farmacología , Hiperamonemia/inducido químicamente , N-Metilaspartato/farmacología , Neuronas/metabolismo , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Receptores AMPA/efectos de los fármacos , Receptores de N-Metil-D-Aspartato/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Collagen fibrils are produced from collagen monomers not only in vivo, but also in vitro. The ability to have an influence on the structure and properties of fibrils may find medical application and can be useful for controlling the formation of collagen gels and sheets in tissue engineering. Here we investigated the influence of flavonoids, distinguished by the number of hydroxyl groups in the B-ring, on the formation of collagen fibrils. A correlation was found between the number of hydroxyl groups, lipophilicity of molecules and their ability to influence the fibril formation. The molecules with a smaller number of hydroxyls (flavone and kaempferol) were more lipophilic and accelerated the formation of fibrils, whereas molecules with a larger number of hydroxyls (quercetin, myricetin) were more hydrophilic and prevented the fibril formation. Among the studied substances, an exception was taxifolin, which accelerated the formation of fibrils in spite of the increased hydrophilicity of this compound. However, molecular modeling revealed that all investigated accelerators of the fibril formation, including taxifolin, were distinguished by the increased lipophilicity exactly in the B-ring. This suggests a critical role of the B-ring lipophilicity in the ability of the studied flavonoids to accelerate the formation of collagen fibrils.