Targeted Complement Inhibition at Synapses Prevents Microglial Synaptic Engulfment and Synapse Loss in Demyelinating Disease.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. While work has focused on myelin and axon loss in MS, less is known about mechanisms underlying synaptic changes. Using postmortem human MS tissue, a preclinical nonhuman primate model of MS, and two rodent models of demyelinating disease, we investigated synapse changes in the visual system. Similar to other neurodegenerative diseases, microglial synaptic engulfment and profound synapse loss were observed. In mice, synapse loss occurred independently of local demyelination and neuronal degeneration but coincided with gliosis and increased complement component C3, but not C1q, at synapses. Viral overexpression of the complement inhibitor Crry at C3-bound synapses decreased microglial engulfment of synapses and protected visual function. These results indicate that microglia eliminate synapses through the alternative complement cascade in demyelinating disease and identify a strategy to prevent synapse loss that may be broadly applicable to other neurodegenerative diseases. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Long-distance growth and connectivity of neural stem cells after severe spinal cord injury.

Neural stem cells (NSCs) expressing GFP were embedded into fibrin matrices containing growth factor cocktails and grafted to sites of severe spinal cord injury. Grafted cells differentiated into multiple cellular phenotypes, including neurons, which extended large numbers of axons over remarkable distances. Extending axons formed abundant synapses with host cells. Axonal growth was partially dependent on mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), but not Nogo signaling. Grafted neurons supported formation of electrophysiological relays across sites of complete spinal transection, resulting in functional recovery. Two human stem cell lines (566RSC and HUES7) embedded in growth-factor-containing fibrin exhibited similar growth, and 566RSC cells supported functional recovery. Thus, properties intrinsic to early-stage neurons can overcome the inhibitory milieu of the injured adult spinal cord to mount remarkable axonal growth, resulting in formation of new relay circuits that significantly improve function. These therapeutic properties extend across stem cell sources and species.

Innervation and Neuronal Control of the Mammalian Sinoatrial Node a Comprehensive Atlas.

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Ultraflexible and Stretchable Intrafascicular Peripheral Nerve Recording Device with Axon-Dimension, Cuff-Less Microneedle Electrode Array.

Peripheral nerve mapping tools with higher spatial resolution are needed to advance systems neuroscience, and potentially provide a closed-loop biomarker in neuromodulation applications. Two critical challenges of microscale neural interfaces are 1) how to apply them to small peripheral nerves, and 2) how to minimize chronic reactivity. A flexible microneedle nerve array (MINA) is developed, which is the first high-density penetrating electrode array made with axon-sized silicon microneedles embedded in low-modulus thin silicone. The design, fabrication, acute recording, and chronic reactivity to an implanted MINA, are presented. Distinctive units are identified in the rat peroneal nerve. The authors also demonstrate a long-term, cuff-free, and suture-free fixation manner using rose bengal as a light-activated adhesive for two time-points. The tissue response is investigated at 1-week and 6-week time-points, including two sham groups and two MINA-implanted groups. These conditions are quantified in the left vagus nerve of rats using histomorphometry. Micro computed tomography (micro-CT) is added to visualize and quantify tissue encapsulation around the implant. MINA demonstrates a reduction in encapsulation thickness over previously quantified interfascicular methods. Future challenges include techniques for precise insertion of the microneedle electrodes and demonstrating long-term recording.

Protective role of the lipid phosphatase Fig4 in the adult nervous system.

The signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate, PI(3,5)P2, functions in vesicular trafficking through the endo-lysosomal compartment. Cellular levels of PI(3,5)P2 are regulated by an enzyme complex comprised of the kinase PIKFYVE, the phosphatase FIG4, and the scaffold protein VAC14. Mutations of human FIG4 cause inherited disorders including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4J, polymicrogyria with epilepsy, and Yunis-Varón syndrome. Constitutive Fig4-/- mice exhibit intention tremor, spongiform degeneration of neural tissue, hypomyelination, and juvenile lethality. To determine whether PI(3,5)P2 is required in the adult, we generated Fig4flox/-; CAG-creER mice and carried out tamoxifen-induced gene ablation. Global ablation in adulthood leads to wasting, tremor, and motor impairment. Death follows within 2 months of tamoxifen treatment, demonstrating a life-long requirement for Fig4. Histological examinations of the sciatic nerve revealed profound Wallerian degeneration of myelinated fibers, but not C-fiber axons in Remak bundles. In optic nerve sections, myelinated fibers appear morphologically intact and carry compound action potentials at normal velocity and amplitude. However, when iKO mice are challenged with a chemical white matter lesion, repair of damaged CNS myelin is significantly delayed, demonstrating a novel role for Fig4 in remyelination. Thus, in the adult PNS Fig4 is required to protect myelinated axons from Wallerian degeneration. In the adult CNS, Fig4 is dispensable for fiber stability and nerve conduction, but is required for the timely repair of damaged white matter. The greater vulnerability of the PNS to Fig4 deficiency in the mouse is consistent with clinical observations in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Noninvasive neurophysiological mapping of the lower urinary tract in adult and aging rhesus macaques.

The lower urinary tract (LUT) may be activated by spinal cord stimulation, but the physiological mapping characteristics of LUT activation with noninvasive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) are not known. The effects of aging on the contractile properties of the detrusor are also not well understood. Therefore, TSCS was applied over the T10/T11 to L6/L7 spinous processes in adult ( n = 6) and aged ( n = 9) female rhesus macaques. A combination of urodynamic studies and electromyography recordings of the external urethral sphincter (EUS), external anal sphincter (EAS), and pelvic floor muscles was performed. Distinct functional maps were demonstrated for TSCS-evoked detrusor and urethral pressures and for the activation of the EUS, EAS, and pelvic floor muscles. The magnitude of responses for each peripheral target organ was dependent on TSCS location and strength. The strongest detrusor contraction was observed with TSCS at the L1/L2 site in adults and the L3/L4 site in aged subjects. TSCS-evoked bladder pressure at the L1/L2 site was significantly higher for the adults compared with the aged subjects ( P < 0.05). Cumulative normalized TSCS-evoked pressures, calculated for five consecutive sites between the T11/T12 and L3/L4 levels, were significantly lower for aged compared with adult subjects ( P < 0.05). The aged animals also showed a caudal shift for the TSCS site that generated the strongest detrusor contraction. We conclude that natural aging in rhesus macaques is associated with decreased detrusor contractility, a finding of significant translational research relevance as detrusor underactivity is a common occurrence with aging in humans. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) was used to map lower urinary tract function in adult and aged rhesus macaques. Aging was associated with decreased peak pressure responses to TSCS, reduced cumulative normalized evoked bladder pressure responses, and a caudal shift for the site generating the strongest TSCS-induced detrusor contraction. We demonstrate the utility of TSCS as a new diagnostic tool for detrusor contractility assessments and conclude that aging is associated with decreased detrusor contractility in primates.

EMG characteristics of the external anal sphincter guarding reflex and effects of a unilateral ventral root avulsion injury in rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta).

The external anal sphincter (EAS) is important for the maintenance of bowel continence and may be compromised by a variety of neuropathic conditions. However, large animal models for the study of EAS functions have been sparse. The EAS guarding reflex was examined by electromyography (EMG) in neurologically intact rhesus macaques ( n = 6) and at 4-6 wk after a unilateral EAS denervation from an L6-S3 ventral root avulsion (VRA) injury ( n = 6). Baseline EAS EMG recordings were quiescent in all subjects, and evoked responses showed an initial large-amplitude EMG activity, which gradually returned to baseline within 1-2 min. At 4-6 wk postoperatively, the EAS guarding reflex showed a significantly reduced EMG response duration of 47 ± 15 s and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.198 ± 0.097 mV·s compared with the corresponding evoked EAS EMG duration of 102 ± 19 s and AUC of 0.803 ± 0.225 mV·s ( P < 0.05) in the control group. Detailed time- and frequency-domain analysis of the evoked EAS EMG responses for the first 40 s showed no difference between groups for the maximum amplitude but a significant decrease for the mean amplitude across the study period and an early AUC reduction for the first 10 s in the VRA injury group. Time-frequency analysis and power spectrum plots indicated decreased intensity and a narrower midrange of frequencies in the VRA injury group. We conclude that the EAS guarding reflex in rhesus macaques shows characteristic EMG features in control subjects and signs of partial target denervation after a unilateral L6-S3 VRA injury. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The external anal sphincter guarding reflex showed initial large-amplitude peaks and a gradual return to a quiescent baseline after a rectal probe stimulus in rhesus macaques. At 4-6 wk after a unilateral ventral root avulsion (VRA) injury, the electromyography duration, mean amplitude, and area under the curve measurements were decreased. Time-frequency analysis and power spectrum plots indicated decreased intensity and a narrowed midrange of frequencies in the VRA injury cohort.

Generalized convulsive seizures are associated with ketamine anesthesia in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) undergoing urodynamic studies and transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation.

A female rhesus macaque developed two episodes of generalized convulsions during transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) and urodynamic studies under ketamine anesthesia. The seizures took place in the absence of active TSCS and bladder pressure elevation. Ketamine anesthesia remains the primary risk factor for the convulsions during these experimental procedures.

Spinal stimulation of the upper lumbar spinal cord modulates urethral sphincter activity in rats after spinal cord injury.

After spinal cord injury (SCI), the neurogenic bladder is observed to develop asynchronous bladder and external urethral sphincter (EUS) contractions in a condition known as detrusor-sphincter dyssnergia (DSD). Activation of the EUS spinal controlling center located at the upper lumbar spinal cord may contribute to reduce EUS dyssynergic contractions and decrease urethral resistance during voiding. However, this mechanism has not been well studied. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of epidural stimulation (EpS) over the spinal EUS controlling center (L3) in combination with a serotonergic receptor agonist on EUS relaxation in naive rats and chronic (6-8 wk) T8 SCI rats. Cystometrogram and EUS electromyography (EMG) were obtained before and after the intravenous administration of 5HT-1A receptor agonist and antagonist. The latency, duration, frequency, amplitude, and area under curve of EpS-evoked EUS EMG responses were analyzed. EpS on L3 evoked an inhibition of EUS tonic contraction and an excitation of EUS intermittent bursting/relaxation correlating with urine expulsion in intact rats. Combined with a 5HT-1A receptor agonist, EpS on L3 evoked a similar effect in chronic T8 SCI rats to reduce urethral contraction (resistance). This study examined the effect of facilitating the EUS spinal controlling center to switch between urine storage and voiding phases by using EpS and a serotonergic receptor agonist. This novel approach of applying EpS on the EUS controlling center modulates EUS contraction and relaxation as well as reduces urethral resistance during voiding in chronic SCI rats with DSD.

Nonbinary 2D Distribution Tool Maps Autonomic Nerve Fiber Clustering in Lumbosacral Ventral Roots of Rhesus Macaques.

Neuromodulation of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) by electrical stimulation may augment autonomic function after injury or in neurodegenerative disorders. Nerve fiber size, myelination, and distance between individual fibers and the stimulation electrode may influence response thresholds to electrical stimulation. However, information on the spatial distribution of nerve fibers within the PNS is sparse. We developed a new two-dimensional (2D) morphological mapping tool to assess spatial heterogeneity and clustering of nerve fibers. The L6-S3 ventral roots (VRs) in rhesus macaques were used as a model system to map preganglionic parasympathetic, γ-motor, and α-motor fibers. Random and ground truth distributions of nerve fiber centroids were determined for each VR by light microscopy. The proposed tool allows for nonbinary determinations of fiber heterogeneity by defining the minimum distance between nerve fibers for cluster inclusion and comparisons with random fiber distributions for each VR. There was extensive variability in the relative composition of nerve fiber types and degree of 2D fiber heterogeneity between different L6-S3 VR levels within and across different animals. There was a positive correlation between the proportion of autonomic fibers and the degree of nerve fiber clustering. Nerve fiber cluster heterogeneity between VRs may contribute to varied functional outcomes from neuromodulation.

Comparative specialization of intrinsic cardiac neurons in humans, mice, and pigs.

Intrinsic cardiac neurons (ICNs) play a crucial role in the proper functioning of the heart; yet a paucity of data pertaining to human ICNs exists. We took a multidisciplinary approach to complete a detailed cellular comparison of the structure and function of ICNs from mice, pigs, and humans. Immunohistochemistry of whole and sectioned ganglia, transmission electron microscopy, intracellular microelectrode recording and dye filling for quantitative morphometry were used to define the neurophysiology, histochemistry, and ultrastructure of these cells across species. The densely packed, smaller ICNs of mouse lacked dendrites, formed axosomatic connections, and had high synaptic efficacy constituting an obligatory synapse. At Pig ICNs, a convergence of subthreshold cholinergic inputs onto extensive dendritic arbors supported greater summation and integration of synaptic input. Human ICNs were tonically firing, with synaptic stimulation evoking large suprathreshold excitatory postsynaptic potentials like mouse, and subthreshold potentials like pig. Ultrastructural examination of synaptic terminals revealed conserved architecture, yet small clear vesicles (SCVs) were larger in pigs and humans. The presence and localization of ganglionic neuropeptides was distinct, with abundant VIP observed in human but not pig or mouse ganglia, and little SP or CGRP in pig ganglia. Action potential waveforms were similar, but human ICNs had larger after-hyperpolarizations. Intrinsic excitability differed; 93% of human cells were tonic, all pig neurons were phasic, and both phasic and tonic phenotypes were observed in mouse. In combination, this publicly accessible, multimodal atlas of ICNs from mice, pigs, and humans identifies similarities and differences in the evolution of ICNs.

Pharmacology of boldine: summary of the field and update on recent advances.

Over the past decade, boldine, a naturally occurring alkaloid found in several plant species including the Chilean Boldo tree, has garnered attention for its efficacy in rodent models of human disease. Some of the properties that have been attributed to boldine include antioxidant activities, neuroprotective and analgesic actions, hepatoprotective effects, anti-inflammatory actions, cardioprotective effects and anticancer potential. Compelling data now indicates that boldine blocks connexin (Cx) hemichannels (HCs) and that many if not all of its effects in rodent models of injury and disease are due to CxHC blockade. Here we provide an overview of boldine's pharmacological properties, including its efficacy in rodent models of common human injuries and diseases, and of its absorption, distribution, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism.

Sarm1 is not necessary for activation of neuron-intrinsic growth programs yet required for the Schwann cell repair response and peripheral nerve regeneration.

Upon peripheral nervous system (PNS) injury, severed axons undergo rapid SARM1-dependent Wallerian degeneration (WD). In mammals, the role of SARM1 in PNS regeneration, however, is unknown. Here we demonstrate that Sarm1 is not required for axotomy induced activation of neuron-intrinsic growth programs and axonal growth into a nerve crush site. However, in the distal nerve, Sarm1 is necessary for the timely induction of the Schwann cell (SC) repair response, nerve inflammation, myelin clearance, and regeneration of sensory and motor axons. In Sarm1-/- mice, regenerated fibers exhibit reduced axon caliber, defective nerve conduction, and recovery of motor function is delayed. The growth hostile environment of Sarm1-/- distal nerve tissue was demonstrated by grafting of Sarm1-/- nerve into WT recipients. SC lineage tracing in injured WT and Sarm1-/- mice revealed morphological differences. In the Sarm1-/- distal nerve, the appearance of p75NTR+, c-Jun+ SCs is significantly delayed. Ex vivo, p75NTR and c-Jun upregulation in Sarm1-/- nerves can be rescued by pharmacological inhibition of ErbB kinase. Together, our studies show that Sarm1 is not necessary for the activation of neuron intrinsic growth programs but in the distal nerve is required for the orchestration of cellular programs that underlie rapid axon extension.

Detrusor underactivity is associated with metabolic syndrome in aged primates.

Lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction is prevalent in the elderly population, and clinical manifestations include urinary retention, incontinence, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Age-associated LUT dysfunction is responsible for significant morbidity, compromised quality of life, and rising healthcare costs in older adults, but its pathophysiology is not well understood. We aimed to investigate the effects of aging on LUT function by urodynamic studies and metabolic markers in non-human primates. Adult (n = 27) and aged (n = 20) female rhesus macaques were evaluated by urodynamic and metabolic studies. Cystometry showed detrusor underactivity (DU) with increased bladder capacity and compliance in aged subjects. Metabolic syndrome indicators were present in the aged subjects, including increased weight, triglycerides, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), whereas aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was unaffected and the AST/ALT ratio reduced. Principal component analysis and paired correlations showed a strong association between DU and metabolic syndrome markers in aged primates with DU but not in aged primates without DU. The findings were unaffected by prior pregnancies, parity, and menopause. Our findings provide insights into possible mechanisms for age-associated DU and may guide new strategies to prevent and treat LUT dysfunction in older adults.

Bortezomib-induced neuropathy is in part mediated by the sensitization of TRPV1 channels.

TRPV1 is an ion channel that transduces noxious heat and chemical stimuli and is expressed in small fiber primary sensory neurons that represent almost half of skin nerve terminals. Tissue injury and inflammation result in the sensitization of TRPV1 and sustained activation of TRPV1 can lead to cellular toxicity though calcium influx. To identify signals that trigger TRPV1 sensitization after a 24-h exposure, we developed a phenotypic assay in mouse primary sensory neurons and performed an unbiased screen with a compound library of 480 diverse bioactive compounds. Chemotherapeutic agents, calcium ion deregulators and protein synthesis inhibitors were long-acting TRPV1 sensitizers. Amongst the strongest TRPV1 sensitizers were proteasome inhibitors, a class that includes bortezomib, a chemotherapeutic agent that causes small fiber neuropathy in 30-50% of patients. Prolonged exposure of bortezomib produced a TRPV1 sensitization that lasted several days and neurite retraction in vitro and histological and behavioral changes in male mice in vivo. TRPV1 knockout mice were protected from epidermal nerve fiber loss and a loss of sensory discrimination after bortezomib treatment. We conclude that long-term TRPV1 sensitization contributes to the development of bortezomib-induced neuropathy and the consequent loss of sensation, major deficits experienced by patients under this chemotherapeutic agent.

A novel statistical methodology for quantifying the spatial arrangements of axons in peripheral nerves.

A thorough understanding of the neuroanatomy of peripheral nerves is required for a better insight into their function and the development of neuromodulation tools and strategies. In biophysical modeling, it is commonly assumed that the complex spatial arrangement of myelinated and unmyelinated axons in peripheral nerves is random, however, in reality the axonal organization is inhomogeneous and anisotropic. Present quantitative neuroanatomy methods analyze peripheral nerves in terms of the number of axons and the morphometric characteristics of the axons, such as area and diameter. In this study, we employed spatial statistics and point process models to describe the spatial arrangement of axons and Sinkhorn distances to compute the similarities between these arrangements (in terms of first- and second-order statistics) in various vagus and pelvic nerve cross-sections. We utilized high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images that have been segmented using a custom-built high-throughput deep learning system based on a highly modified U-Net architecture. Our findings show a novel and innovative approach to quantifying similarities between spatial point patterns using metrics derived from the solution to the optimal transport problem. We also present a generalizable pipeline for quantitative analysis of peripheral nerve architecture. Our data demonstrate differences between male- and female-originating samples and similarities between the pelvic and abdominal vagus nerves.

Locomotor training maintains normal inhibitory influence on both alpha- and gamma-motoneurons after neonatal spinal cord transection.

Spinal cord injuries lead to impairments, which are accompanied by extensive reorganization of neuronal circuits caudal to the injury. Locomotor training can aid in the functional recovery after injury, but the neuronal mechanisms associated with such plasticity are only sparsely known. We investigated ultrastructurally the synaptic inputs to tibialis anterior motoneurons (MNs) retrogradely labeled in adult rats that had received a complete midthoracic spinal cord transection at postnatal day 5. A subset of the injured rats received locomotor training. Both γ- and α-MNs were studied. The total number of boutons apposing γ-MNs, but not α-MNs, was reduced after neonatal spinal cord transection. The proportion of inhibitory to excitatory boutons, however, was increased significantly in both α-MNs and γ-MNs in spinally transected rats, but with locomotor training returned to levels observed in intact rats. The specific densities and compositions of synaptic boutons were, however, different between all three groups. Surprisingly, we observed the atypical presence of both C- and M-type boutons apposing the somata of γ-MNs in the spinal rats, regardless of training status. We conclude that a neonatal spinal cord transection induces significant reorganization of synaptic inputs to spinal motoneurons caudal to the site of injury with a net increase in inhibitory influence, which is associated with poor stepping. Spinal cord injury followed by successful locomotor training, however, results in improved bipedal stepping and further synaptic changes with the proportion of inhibitory and excitatory inputs to the motoneurons being similar to that observed in intact rats.

Inosine augments the effects of a Nogo receptor blocker and of environmental enrichment to restore skilled forelimb use after stroke.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in much of the world, with few treatment options available. Following unilateral stroke in rats, inosine, a naturally occurring purine nucleoside, stimulates the growth of projections from the undamaged hemisphere into denervated areas of the spinal cord and improves skilled use of the impaired forelimb. Inosine augments neurons' intrinsic growth potential by activating Mst3b, a component of the signal transduction pathway through which trophic factors regulate axon outgrowth. The present study investigated whether inosine would complement the effects of treatments that promote plasticity through other mechanisms. Following unilateral stroke in the rat forelimb motor area, inosine combined with NEP1-40, a Nogo receptor antagonist, doubled the number of axon branches extending from neurons in the intact hemisphere into the denervated side of the spinal cord compared with either treatment alone, and restored rats' level of skilled reaching using the impaired forepaw to preoperative levels. Similar functional improvements were seen when inosine was combined with environmental enrichment (EE). The latter effect was associated with changes in gene expression in layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the undamaged cortex well beyond those seen with inosine or EE alone. Inosine is now in clinical trials for other indications, making it an attractive candidate for the treatment of stroke patients.

Modulation of the visceromotor reflex by a lumbosacral ventral root avulsion injury and repair in rats.

Increased abdominal muscle wall activity may be part of a visceromotor reflex (VMR) response to noxious stimulation of the bladder. However, information is sparse regarding the effects of cauda equina injuries on the VMR in experimental models. We studied the effects of a unilateral L6-S1 ventral root avulsion (VRA) injury and acute ventral root reimplantation (VRI) into the spinal cord on micturition reflexes and electromyographic activity of the abdominal wall in rats. Cystometrogram (CMG) and electromyography (EMG) of the abdominal external oblique muscle (EOM) were performed. All rats demonstrated EMG activity of the EOM associated with reflex bladder contractions. At 1 wk after VRA and VRI, the duration of the EOM EMG activity associated with reflex voiding was significantly prolonged compared with age-matched sham rats. However, at 3 wk postoperatively, the duration of the EOM responses remained increased in the VRA series but had normalized in the VRI group. The EOM EMG duration was normalized for both VRA and VRI groups at 8-12 wk postoperatively. CMG recordings show increased contraction duration at 1 and 3 wk postoperatively for the VRA series, whereas the contraction duration was only increased at 1 wk postoperatively for the VRI series. Our studies suggest that a unilateral lumbosacral VRA injury results in a prolonged VMR to bladder filling using a physiological saline solution. An acute root replantation decreased the VMR induced by VRA injury and provides earlier sensory recovery.