LRRK2 BAC transgenic rats develop progressive, L-DOPA-responsive motor impairment, and deficits in dopamine circuit function.

Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) lead to late-onset, autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease, characterized by the degeneration of dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta, a deficit in dopamine neurotransmission and the development of motor and non-motor symptoms. The most prevalent Parkinson's disease LRRK2 mutations are located in the kinase (G2019S) and GTPase (R1441C) encoding domains of LRRK2. To better understand the sequence of events that lead to progressive neurophysiological deficits in vulnerable neurons and circuits in Parkinson's disease, we have generated LRRK2 bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic rats expressing either G2019S or R1441C mutant, or wild-type LRRK2, from the complete human LRRK2 genomic locus, including endogenous promoter and regulatory regions. Aged (18-21 months) G2019S and R1441C mutant transgenic rats exhibit L-DOPA-responsive motor dysfunction, impaired striatal dopamine release as determined by fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, and cognitive deficits. In addition, in vivo recordings of identified substantia nigra pars compacta dopamine neurons in R1441C LRRK2 transgenic rats reveal an age-dependent reduction in burst firing, which likely results in further reductions to striatal dopamine release. These alterations to dopamine circuit function occur in the absence of neurodegeneration or abnormal protein accumulation within the substantia nigra pars compacta, suggesting that nigrostriatal dopamine dysfunction precedes detectable protein aggregation and cell death in the development of Parkinson's disease. In conclusion, our longitudinal deep-phenotyping provides novel insights into how the genetic burden arising from human mutant LRRK2 manifests as early pathophysiological changes to dopamine circuit function and highlights a potential model for testing Parkinson's therapeutics.

Serotonin spillover onto the axon initial segment of motoneurons induces central fatigue by inhibiting action potential initiation.

Motor fatigue induced by physical activity is an everyday experience characterized by a decreased capacity to generate motor force. Factors in both muscles and the central nervous system are involved. The central component of fatigue modulates the ability of motoneurons to activate muscle adequately independently of the muscle physiology. Indirect evidence indicates that central fatigue is caused by serotonin (5-HT), but the cellular mechanisms are unknown. In a slice preparation from the spinal cord of the adult turtle, we found that prolonged stimulation of the raphe-spinal pathway--as during motor exercise--activated 5-HT1A receptors that decreased motoneuronal excitability. Electrophysiological tests combined with pharmacology showed that focal activation of 5-HT1A receptors at the axon initial segment (AIS), but not on other motoneuronal compartments, inhibited the action potential initiation by modulating a Na(+) current. Immunohistochemical staining against 5-HT revealed a high-density innervation of 5-HT terminals on the somatodendritic membrane and a complete absence on the AIS. This observation raised the hypothesis that a 5-HT spillover activates receptors at this latter compartment. We tested it by measuring the level of extracellular 5-HT with cyclic voltammetry and found that prolonged stimulations of the raphe-spinal pathway increased the level of 5-HT to a concentration sufficient to activate 5-HT1A receptors. Together our results demonstrate that prolonged release of 5-HT during motor activity spills over from its release sites to the AIS of motoneurons. Here, activated 5-HT1A receptors inhibit firing and, thereby, muscle contraction. Hence, this is a cellular mechanism for central fatigue.

Distinct contributions of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha4 and subunit alpha6 to the reinforcing effects of nicotine.

Nicotine is the primary psychoactive component of tobacco. Its reinforcing and addictive properties depend on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) located within the mesolimbic axis originating in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The roles and oligomeric assembly of subunit α4- and subunit α6-containing nAChRs in dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons are much debated. Using subunit-specific knockout mice and targeted lentiviral re-expression, we have determined the subunit dependence of intracranial nicotine self-administration (ICSA) into the VTA and the effects of nicotine on dopamine (DA) neuron excitability in the VTA and on DA transmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). We show that the α4 subunit, but not the α6 subunit, is necessary for ICSA and nicotine-induced bursting of VTA DAergic neurons, whereas subunits α4 and α6 together regulate the activity dependence of DA transmission in the NAc. These data suggest that α4-dominated enhancement of burst firing in DA neurons, relayed by DA transmission in NAc that is gated by nAChRs containing α4 and α6 subunits, underlies nicotine self-administration and its long-term maintenance.

Striatal α5 nicotinic receptor subunit regulates dopamine transmission in dorsal striatum.

Polymorphisms in the gene for the α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit are associated with vulnerability to nicotine addiction. However, the underlying normal functions of α5-containing nAChRs in the brain are poorly understood. Striatal dopamine (DA) transmission is critical to the acquisition and maintenance of drug addiction and is modulated strongly by nicotine acting at heteromeric ß2-containing (ß2*) nAChRs. We explored whether α5 subunits, as well as α4, α6, and ß3 subunits, participate in the powerful regulation of DA release probability by ß2* nAChRs in nucleus accumbens (NAc) core and in dorsal striatum [caudatoputamen (CPu)]. We detected evoked dopamine release using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon-fiber microelectrodes in striatal slices from mice with deletions of α4, α5, α6, or ß3 subunits. We show that the nAChR subtypes that dominantly regulate dopamine transmission depend critically upon α5 subunits in the dorsal CPu in α4α5(non-α6)ß2-nAChRs but not in NAc core, where α4α6ß2ß3-nAChRs are required. These data reveal the distinct populations of nAChRs that govern DA transmission in NAc core versus dorsal CPu. Furthermore, they indicate that α5 subunits are critical to the regulation of DA transmission by α4ß2* nAChRs in regions of striatum associated with habitual and instrumental responses (dorsal CPu) rather than pavlovian associations (NAc).

Striatal dopamine transmission is reduced after chronic nicotine with a decrease in α6-nicotinic receptor control in nucleus accumbens.

Nicotine directly regulates striatal dopamine (DA) neurotransmission via presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) that are α6ß2 and/or α4ß2 subunit-containing, depending on region. Chronic nicotine exposure in smokers upregulates striatal nAChR density, with some reports suggesting differential impact on α6- or α4-containing nAChRs. Here, we explored whether chronic nicotine exposure modifies striatal DA transmission, whether the effects of acute nicotine on DA release probability persist and whether there are modifications to the regulation of DA release by α6-subunit-containing (*) relative to non-α6* nAChRs in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and in caudate-putamen (CPu). We detected electrically evoked DA release at carbon-fiber microelectrodes in striatal slices from mice exposed for 4-8 weeks to nicotine (200 µg/mL in saccharin-sweetened drinking water) or a control saccharin solution. Chronic nicotine exposure subtly reduced striatal DA release evoked by single electrical pulses, and in NAc enhanced the range of DA release evoked by different frequencies. Effects of acute nicotine (500 nm) on DA release probability and its sensitivity to activity were apparent. However, in NAc there was downregulation of the functional dominance of α6-nAChRs (α6α4ß2ß3), and an emergence in function of non-α6* nAChRs. In CPu, there was no change in the control of DA release by its α6 nAChRs (α6ß2ß3) relative to non-α6. These data suggest that chronic nicotine subtly modifies the regulation of DA transmission, which, in NAc, is through downregulation of function of a susceptible population of α6α4ß2ß3 nAChRs. This imbalance in function of α6:non-α6 nAChRs might contribute to DA dysregulation in nicotine addiction.

Striatal muscarinic receptors promote activity dependence of dopamine transmission via distinct receptor subtypes on cholinergic interneurons in ventral versus dorsal striatum.

Striatal dopamine (DA) and acetylcholine (ACh) regulate motivated behaviors and striatal plasticity. Interactions between these neurotransmitters may be important, through synchronous changes in parent neuron activities and reciprocal presynaptic regulation of release. How DA signaling is regulated by striatal muscarinic receptors (mAChRs) is unresolved; contradictory reports indicate suppression or facilitation, implicating several mAChR subtypes on various neurons. We investigated whether mAChR regulation of DA signaling varies with presynaptic activity and identified the mAChRs responsible in sensorimotor- versus limbic-associated striatum. We detected DA in real time at carbon fiber microelectrodes in mouse striatal slices. Broad-spectrum mAChR agonists [oxotremorine-M, APET (arecaidine propargyl ester tosylate)] decreased DA release evoked by low-frequency stimuli (1-10 Hz, four pulses) but increased the sensitivity of DA release to presynaptic activity, even enhancing release by high frequencies (e.g., >25 Hz for four pulses). These bidirectional effects depended on ACh input to striatal nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) on DA axons but not GABA or glutamate input. In caudate-putamen (CPu), knock-out of M(2)- or M(4)-mAChRs (not M(5)) prevented mAChR control of DA, indicating that M(2)- and M(4)-mAChRs are required. In nucleus accumbens (NAc) core or shell, mAChR function was prevented in M(4)-knock-outs, but not M(2)- or M(5)-knock-outs. These data indicate that striatal mAChRs, by inhibiting ACh release from cholinergic interneurons and thus modifying nAChR activity, offer variable control of DA release probability that promotes how DA release reflects activation of dopaminergic axons. Furthermore, different coupling of striatal M(2)/M(4)-mAChRs to the control of DA release in CPu versus NAc suggests targets to influence DA/ACh function differentially between striatal domains.

Maintaining network activity in submerged hippocampal slices: importance of oxygen supply.

Studies in brain slices have provided a wealth of data on the basic features of neurons and synapses. In the intact brain, these properties may be strongly influenced by ongoing network activity. Although physiologically realistic patterns of network activity have been successfully induced in brain slices maintained in interface-type recording chambers, they have been harder to obtain in submerged-type chambers, which offer significant experimental advantages, including fast exchange of pharmacological agents, visually guided patch-clamp recordings, and imaging techniques. Here, we investigated conditions for the emergence of network oscillations in submerged slices prepared from the hippocampus of rats and mice. We found that the local oxygen level is critical for generation and propagation of both spontaneously occurring sharp wave-ripple oscillations and cholinergically induced fast oscillations. We suggest three ways to improve the oxygen supply to slices under submerged conditions: (i) optimizing chamber design for laminar flow of superfusion fluid; (ii) increasing the flow rate of superfusion fluid; and (iii) superfusing both surfaces of the slice. These improvements to the recording conditions enable detailed studies of neurons under more realistic conditions of network activity, which are essential for a better understanding of neuronal network operation.

Constitutive histamine H2 receptor activity regulates serotonin release in the substantia nigra.

The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) forms a principal output from the basal ganglia. It also receives significant histamine (HA) input from the tuberomammillary nucleus whose functions in SNr remain poorly understood. One identified role is the regulation of serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission via the HA-H(3) receptor. Here we have explored regulation by another HA receptor expressed in SNr, the H(2)-receptor (H(2)R), by monitoring electrically evoked 5-HT release with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon-fiber microelectrodes in SNr in rat brain slices. Selective H(2)R antagonists (inverse agonists) ranitidine and tiotidine enhanced 5-HT release while the agonist amthamine suppressed release. The 'neutral' competitive antagonist burimamide alone was without effect but prevented ranitidine actions indicating that inverse agonist effects result from constitutive H(2)R activity independent of HA tone. H(2)R control of 5-HT release was most apparent (from inverse agonist effects) at lower frequencies of depolarization (< or = 20 Hz), and prevailed in the presence of antagonists of GABA, glutamate or H(3)-HA receptors. These data reveal that H(2)Rs in SNr are constitutively active and inhibit 5-HT release through H(2)Rs on 5-HT axons. These data may have therapeutic implications for Parkinson's disease, when SNr HA levels increase, and for neuropsychiatric disorders in which 5-HT is pivotal.

Alpha6-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors dominate the nicotine control of dopamine neurotransmission in nucleus accumbens.

Modulation of striatal dopamine (DA) neurotransmission plays a fundamental role in the reinforcing and ultimately addictive effects of nicotine. Nicotine, by desensitizing beta2 subunit-containing (beta2*) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on striatal DA axons, significantly enhances how DA is released by reward-related burst activity compared to nonreward-related tonic activity. This action provides a synaptic mechanism for nicotine to facilitate the DA-dependent reinforcement. The subfamily of beta2*-nAChRs responsible for these potent synaptic effects could offer a molecular target for therapeutic strategies in nicotine addiction. We explored the role of alpha6beta2*-nAChRs in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and caudate-putamen (CPu) by observing action potential-dependent DA release from synapses in real-time using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon-fiber microelectrodes in mouse striatal slices. The alpha6-specific antagonist alpha-conotoxin-MII suppressed DA release evoked by single and low-frequency action potentials and concurrently enhanced release by high-frequency bursts in a manner similar to the beta2*-selective antagonist dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DHbetaE) in NAc, but less so in CPu. The greater role for alpha6*-nAChRs in NAc was not due to any confounding regional difference in ACh tone since elevated ACh levels (after the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor ambenonium) had similar outcomes in NAc and CPu. Rather, there appear to be underlying differences in nAChR subtype function in NAc and CPu. In summary, we reveal that alpha6beta2*-nAChRs dominate the effects of nicotine on DA release in NAc, whereas in CPu their role is minor alongside other beta2*-nAChRs (eg alpha4*), These data offer new insights to suggest striatal alpha6*-nAChRs as a molecular target for a therapeutic strategy for nicotine addiction.

Evaluation of benzyltetrahydroisoquinolines as ligands for neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Effects of derivatives of coclaurine (C), which mimic the 'eastern' or the nonquaternary halves of the alkaloids tetrandrine or d-tubocurarine, respectively, both of which are inhibitors of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nACh), were examined on recombinant, human alpha7, alpha4beta2 and alpha4beta4 nACh receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes and clonal cell lines using two-electrode voltage clamping and radioligand binding techniques. In this limited series, Cs have higher affinity and are most potent at alpha4 subunit-containing-nACh receptors and least potent at homomeric alpha7 receptors, and this trend is very marked for the N-unsubstituted C and its O,O'-bisbenzyl derivative. 7-O-Benzyl-N-methylcoclaurine (BBCM) and its 12-O-methyl derivative showed the highest affinities and potencies at all three receptor subtypes, and this suggests that lipophilicity at C7 and/or C12 increases potency. Laudanosine and armepavine (A) were noncompetitive and voltage-dependent inhibitors of alpha7, alpha4beta2 or alpha4beta4 receptors, but the bulkier C7-benzylated 7BNMC (7-O-benzyl-N-methylcoclaurine) and 7B12MNMC (7-O-benzyl-N,12-O-dimethyl coclaurine) were voltage-independent, noncompetitive inhibitors of nACh receptors. Voltage-dependence was also lost on going from A to its N-ethyl analogue. These studies suggest that C derivatives may be useful tools for studies characterising the antagonist and ion channel sites on human alpha7, alpha4beta2 or alpha4beta4 nACh receptors and for revealing structure-function relationships for nACh receptor antagonists.

Chaperone protein 14-3-3 and protein kinase A increase the relative abundance of low agonist sensitivity human alpha 4 beta 2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in Xenopus oocytes.

Alpha4 and beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptor subunits expressed heterologously in Xenopus oocytes assemble into a mixture of receptors with high and low agonist sensitivity whose relative abundance is influenced by the heteropentamer subunit ratio. We have found that inhibition of protein kinase A by KT5720 decreased maximal [3H]cytisine binding and acetylcholine (ACh)-induced current responses, and increased the relative proportion of alpha4beta2 receptors with high agonist sensitivity. Mutation of serine 467, a putative protein kinase A substrate in a chaperone protein binding motif within the large cytoplasmic domain of the alpha4 subunit, to alanine or asparate decreased or increased, respectively, maximal [3H]cytisine binding and ACh response amplitude. Expression of alpha4S467A mutant subunits decreased steady levels of alpha4 and the relative proportion of alpha4beta2 receptors with low agonist sensitivity, whilst expression of alpha4S467D increased steady levels of alpha4 and alpha4beta2 receptors with low agonist sensitivity. Difopein, an inhibitor of chaperone 14-3-3 proteins, decreased [3H]cytisine binding and ACh responses and increased the proportion of alpha4beta2 with high sensitivity to activation by ACh. Thus, post-translational modification affecting steady-state levels of alpha4 subunits provides a possible means for physiologically relevant, chaperone-mediated variation in the relative proportion of high and low agonist sensitivity alpha4beta2 nACh receptors.