A single optical fiber fluorometric device for measurement of intracellular Ca2+ concentration: Its application to hippocampal neurons in vitro and in vivo

Neuroscience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 619-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Kudo ◽  
K. Akita ◽  
T. Nakamura ◽  
A. Ogura ◽  
T. Makino ◽  
...  
2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (01) ◽  
pp. 37-46
Author(s):  
Kristina Friedland ◽  
Giacomo Silani ◽  
Anita Schuwald ◽  
Carola Stockburger ◽  
Egon Koch ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Silexan, a special essential oil from flowering tops of lavandula angustifolia, is used to treat subsyndromal anxiety disorders. In a recent clinical trial, Silexan also showed antidepressant effects in patients suffering from mixed anxiety-depression (ICD-10 F41.2). Since preclinical data explaining antidepressant properties of Silexan are missing, we decided to investigate if Silexan also shows antidepressant-like effects in vitro as well as in vivo models. Methods We used the forced swimming test (FST) in rats as a simple behavioral test indicative of antidepressant activity in vivo. As environmental events and other risk factors contribute to depression through converging molecular and cellular mechanisms that disrupt neuronal function and morphology—resulting in dysfunction of the circuitry that is essential for mood regulation and cognitive function—we investigated the neurotrophic properties of Silexan in neuronal cell lines and primary hippocampal neurons. Results The antidepressant activity of Silexan (30 mg/kg BW) in the FST was comparable to the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (20 mg/kg BW) after 9-day treatment. Silexan triggered neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis in 2 different neuronal cell models and led to a significant increase in synaptogenesis in primary hippocampal neurons. Silexan led to a significant phosphorylation of protein kinase A and subsequent CREB phosphorylation. Conclusion Taken together, Silexan demonstrates antidepressant-like effects in cellular as well as animal models for antidepressant activity. Therefore, our data provides preclinical evidence for the clinical antidepressant effects of Silexan in patients with mixed depression and anxiety.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Qiu ◽  
Zhaohui Zhong ◽  
Shawn Righter ◽  
Yuxue Xu ◽  
Jun Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract FK506-binding protein 51 (encoded by Fkpb51) has been associated with stress-related mental illness. To identify its function, we studied the morphological consequences of Fkbp51 deletion. Artificial Intelligence-assist morphological analysis identified that Fkbp51 knock-out (KO) mice possess more elongated CA and DG but shorter in height in coronal section when compared to WT. Primary cultured Fkbp51 KO hippocampal neurons were shown to exhibit larger dendritic outgrowth than wild-type (WT) controls, pharmacological manipulation experiments suggest that this may occur through regulation of microtubule-associated protein. Both in vitro primary culture and in vivo labeling support that FKBP51 regulates microtubule-associated protein expression. Furthermore, in the absence of differences in mRNA expression, Fkbp51 KO hippocampus exhibited decreases in βIII-tubulin, MAP2, and Tau protein levels, but a greater than 2.5-fold increase in Parkin protein. Overexpression and knock-down FKBP51 demonstrated that FKBP51 negatively regulates Parkin in a dose-dependent and ubiquitin-mediated manner. These results indicate a potential novel post-translational regulatory of Parkin by FKBP51 and significance of their interaction on disease onset.


2010 ◽  
Vol 108 (1) ◽  
pp. 379-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiva K. Tyagarajan ◽  
Himanish Ghosh ◽  
Gonzalo E. Yévenes ◽  
Irina Nikonenko ◽  
Claire Ebeling ◽  
...  

Postsynaptic scaffolding proteins ensure efficient neurotransmission by anchoring receptors and signaling molecules in synapse-specific subcellular domains. In turn, posttranslational modifications of scaffolding proteins contribute to synaptic plasticity by remodeling the postsynaptic apparatus. Though these mechanisms are operant in glutamatergic synapses, little is known about regulation of GABAergic synapses, which mediate inhibitory transmission in the CNS. Here, we focused on gephyrin, the main scaffolding protein of GABAergic synapses. We identify a unique phosphorylation site in gephyrin, Ser270, targeted by glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) to modulate GABAergic transmission. Abolishing Ser270 phosphorylation increased the density of gephyrin clusters and the frequency of miniature GABAergic postsynaptic currents in cultured hippocampal neurons. Enhanced, phosphorylation-dependent gephyrin clustering was also induced in vitro and in vivo with lithium chloride. Lithium is a GSK3β inhibitor used therapeutically as mood-stabilizing drug, which underscores the relevance of this posttranslational modification for synaptic plasticity. Conversely, we show that gephyrin availability for postsynaptic clustering is limited by Ca2+-dependent gephyrin cleavage by the cysteine protease calpain-1. Together, these findings identify gephyrin as synaptogenic molecule regulating GABAergic synaptic plasticity, likely contributing to the therapeutic action of lithium.


2020 ◽  
Vol 133 (24) ◽  
pp. jcs247841 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Martín-Rodríguez ◽  
Minseok Song ◽  
Begoña Anta ◽  
Francisco J. González-Calvo ◽  
Rubén Deogracias ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTUbiquitylation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulates both the levels and functions of these receptors. The neurotrophin receptor TrkB (also known as NTRK2), a RTK, is ubiquitylated upon activation by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) binding. Although TrkB ubiquitylation has been demonstrated, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the precise repertoire of proteins that regulates TrkB ubiquitylation. Here, we provide mechanistic evidence indicating that ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 8 (USP8) modulates BDNF- and TrkB-dependent neuronal differentiation. USP8 binds to the C-terminus of TrkB using its microtubule-interacting domain (MIT). Immunopurified USP8 deubiquitylates TrkB in vitro, whereas knockdown of USP8 results in enhanced ubiquitylation of TrkB upon BDNF treatment in neurons. As a consequence of USP8 depletion, TrkB levels and its activation are reduced. Moreover, USP8 protein regulates the differentiation and correct BDNF-dependent dendritic formation of hippocampal neurons in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that USP8 positively regulates the levels and activation of TrkB, modulating BDNF-dependent neuronal differentiation.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanhui Hao ◽  
Wenchao Li ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Haoyu Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background With the development of science and technology, microwaves are being widely used. More and more attention has been paid to the potential health hazards of microwave exposure. The regulation of miR-30a-5p (miR-30a) on autophagy is involved in the pathophysiological process of many diseases. Our previous study found that 30 mW/cm2 microwave radiation could reduce miR-30a expression and activate neuronal autophagy in rat hippocampus. However, the roles played by miR-30a in microwave-induced neuronal autophagy and related mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Results In the present study, we established neuronal damage models by exposing rat hippocampal neurons and rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell-derived neuron-like cells to 30 mW/cm2 microwave, which resulted in miR-30a downregulation and autophagy activation in vivo and in vitro. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted, and Beclin1, Prkaa2, Irs1, Pik3r2, Rras2, Ddit4, Gabarapl2 and autophagy-related gene 12 (Atg12) were identified as potential downstream target genes of miR-30a involved in regulating autophagy. Based on our previous findings that microwave radiation can cause a neuronal energy metabolism disorder, Prkaa2, encoding adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase α2 (AMPKα2, an important catalytic subunit of energy sensor AMPK), was selected for further analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay results showed that Prkaa2 is a downstream target gene of miR-30a. Microwave radiation increased the expression and phosphorylation (Thr172) of AMPKα both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the transduction of cells with miR-30a mimics suppressed AMPKα2 expression, inhibited AMPKα (Thr172) phosphorylation and reduced autophagy flux in neuron-like cells. Importantly, miR-30a mimics abolished microwave-activated autophagy and inhibited microwave-induced AMPKα (Thr172) phosphorylation. Conclusions AMPKα2 was a newly founded downstream gene of miR-30a involved in autophagy regulation, and miR-30a downregulation after microwave radiation could promote neuronal autophagy by increasing AMPKα2 expression and activating AMPK signaling.


2001 ◽  
Vol 281 (5) ◽  
pp. F958-F965 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inho Jo ◽  
Donald T. Ward ◽  
Michelle A. Baum ◽  
John D. Scott ◽  
Vincent M. Coghlan ◽  
...  

We have demonstrated that inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) heavy endosomes purified from rat kidney IMCD contain the type II protein kinase A (PKA) regulatory subunit (RII), protein phosphatase (PP)2B, PKCζ, and an RII-binding protein (relative molecular mass ∼90 kDa) representing a putative A kinase anchoring protein (AKAP). Affinity chromatography of detergent-solubilized endosomes on cAMP-agarose permits recovery of a protein complex consisting of the 90-kDa AKAP, RII, PP2B, and PKCζ. With the use of small-particle flow cytometry, RII and PKCζ were localized to an identical population of endosomes, suggesting that these proteins are components of an endosomal multiprotein complex.32P-labeled aquaporin-2 (AQP2) present in these PKA-phosphorylated endosomes was dephosphorylated in vitro by either addition of exogenous PP2B or by an endogenous endosomal phosphatase that was inhibited by the PP2B inhibitors EDTA and the cyclophilin-cyclosporin A complex. We conclude that IMCD heavy endosomes possess an AKAP multiprotein-signaling complex similar to that described previously in hippocampal neurons. This signaling complex potentially mediates the phosphorylation of AQP2 to regulate its trafficking into the IMCD apical membrane. In addition, the PP2B component of the AKAP-signaling complex could also dephosphorylate AQP2 in vivo.


1999 ◽  
Vol 147 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wim G. Annaert ◽  
Lyne Levesque ◽  
Kathleen Craessaerts ◽  
Inge Dierinck ◽  
Greet Snellings ◽  
...  

Mutations of presenilin 1 (PS1) causing Alzheimer's disease selectively increase the secretion of the amyloidogenic βA4(1-42), whereas knocking out the gene results in decreased production of both βA4(1-40) and (1-42) amyloid peptides (De Strooper et al. 1998). Therefore, PS1 function is closely linked to the γ-secretase processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Given the ongoing controversy on the subcellular localization of PS1, it remains unclear at what level of the secretory and endocytic pathways PS1 exerts its activity on APP and on the APP carboxy-terminal fragments that are the direct substrates for γ-secretase. Therefore, we have reinvestigated the subcellular localization of endogenously expressed PS1 in neurons in vitro and in vivo using confocal microscopy and fine-tuned subcellular fractionation. We show that uncleaved PS1 holoprotein is recovered in the nuclear envelope fraction, whereas the cleaved PS fragments are found mainly in post-ER membranes including the intermediate compartment (IC). PS1 is concentrated in discrete sec23p- and p58/ERGIC-53–positive patches, suggesting its localization in subdomains involved in ER export. PS1 is not found to significant amounts beyond the cis-Golgi. Surprisingly, we found that APP carboxy-terminal fragments also coenrich in the pre-Golgi membrane fractions, consistent with the idea that these fragments are the real substrates for γ-secretase. Functional evidence that PS1 exerts its effects on γ-secretase processing of APP in the ER/IC was obtained using a series of APP trafficking mutants. These mutants were investigated in hippocampal neurons derived from transgenic mice expressing PS1wt or PS1 containing clinical mutations (PS1M146L and PS1L286V) at physiologically relevant levels. We demonstrate that the APP-London and PS1 mutations have additive effects on the increased secretion of βA4(1-42) relative to βA4(1-40), indicating that both mutations operate independently. Overall, our data clearly establish that PS1 controls γ42-secretase activity in pre-Golgi compartments. We discuss models that reconcile this conclusion with the effects of PS1 deficiency on the generation of βA4(1-40) peptide in the late biosynthetic and endocytic pathways.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 369
Author(s):  
Yun-Soo Seo ◽  
Mary Jasmin Ang ◽  
Byeong Cheol Moon ◽  
Hyo Seon Kim ◽  
Goya Choi ◽  
...  

Trimethyltin (TMT) is an organotin compound with potent neurotoxic action characterized by neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus. This study evaluated the protective effects of a Scolopendra water extract (SWE) against TMT intoxication in hippocampal neurons, using both in vitro and in vivo model systems. Specifically, we examined the actions of SWE on TMT- (5 mM) induced cytotoxicity in primary cultures of mouse hippocampal neurons (7 days in vitro) and the effects of SWE on hippocampal degeneration in adult TMT- (2.6 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) treated C57BL/6 mice. We found that SWE pretreatment (0–100 μg/mL) significantly reduced TMT-induced cytotoxicity in cultured hippocampal neurons in a dose-dependent manner, as determined by lactate dehydrogenase and 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays. Additionally, this study showed that perioral administration of SWE (5 mg/kg), from −6 to 0 days before TMT injection, significantly attenuated hippocampal cell degeneration and seizures in adult mice. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of Iba-1 (Allograft inflammatory factor 1)- and GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein)-immunostained cells revealed a significant reduction in the levels of Iba-1- and GFAP-positive cell bodies in the dentate gyrus (DG) of mice treated with SWE prior to TMT injection. These data indicated that SWE pretreatment significantly protected the hippocampus against the massive activation of microglia and astrocytes elicited by TMT. In addition, our data showed that the SWE-induced reduction of immune cell activation was linked to a significant reduction in cell death and a significant improvement in TMT-induced seizure behavior. Thus, we conclude that SWE ameliorated the detrimental effects of TMT toxicity on hippocampal neurons, both in vivo and in vitro. Altogether, our findings hint at a promising pharmacotherapeutic use of SWE in hippocampal degeneration and dysfunction.


2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (22) ◽  
pp. 8357-8370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying C. Yang ◽  
Cheng H. Lin ◽  
Eminy H. Y. Lee

ABSTRACT Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) is a member of the Ser/Thr protein kinase family that regulates a variety of cell functions. Recently, SGK1 was shown to increase dendritic growth but the mechanism underlying the increase is unknown. Here we demonstrated that SGK1 increased the neurite formation of cultured hippocampal neurons through microtubule (MT) depolymerization via two distinct mechanisms. First, SGK1 directly depolymerized MTs. In vitro MT depolymerization experiments revealed that SGK1, especially N-truncated SGK1, directly disassembled self-polymerized MTs and taxol-stabilized MTs in a dose-dependent and ATP-independent manner. The transfection of sgk1 to HeLa cells also inhibited MT assembly in vivo. Second, SGK1 indirectly depolymerized MTs through the phosphorylation of tau at Ser214. An in vitro kinase assay revealed that active SGK1 phosphorylated tau Ser214 specifically. In vivo transfection of sgk1 also phosphorylated tau Ser214 in HEK293T cells and hippocampal neurons. Further, sgk1 transfection significantly increased the number of primary neurites and shortened the length of the total process in cultured hippocampal neurons. These effects were antagonized by the cotransfection of the tauS214A mutant plasmid. Dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, mimics the effect of sgk1 overexpression. Together, these results suggest that SGK1 enhances neurite formation through MT depolymerization by a direct action of SGK1 and by the SGK1 phosphorylation of tau.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Wang ◽  
Qian Luo ◽  
Hui Qiao ◽  
Hui Ding ◽  
Yonggang Cao ◽  
...  

Chronic alcohol consumption causes hippocampal neuronal impairment, which is associated with oxidative stress and apoptosis. Carvacrol is a major monoterpenic phenol found in essential oils from the family Labiatae and has antioxidative stress and antiapoptosis actions. However, the protective effects of carvacrol in ethanol-induced hippocampal neuronal impairment have not been fully understood. We explored the neuroprotective effects of carvacrol in vivo and in vitro. Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 35% ethanol for 4 weeks to establish ethanol model in vivo, and hippocampal neuron injury was simulated by 200 mM ethanol in vitro. Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the cognitive dysfunction. The oxidative stress injury of hippocampal neurons was evaluated by measuring the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers. Histopathological examinations and western blot were performed to evaluate the apoptosis of neurons. The results showed that carvacrol attenuates the cognitive dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis of the mice treated with ethanol and decreases hippocampal neurons apoptosis induced by ethanol in vitro. In addition, western blot analysis revealed that carvacrol modulates the protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and p-ERK, without influence of p-JNK and p-p38. Our results suggest that carvacrol alleviates ethanol-mediated hippocampal neuronal impairment by antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects.


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