Stomatogastric Nervous System

Author(s):  
Wolfgang Stein

The crustacean stomatogastric nervous system contains a set of distinct but interacting rhythmic motor circuits that control movements of the foregut. When isolated, these circuits produce activity patterns that are almost perfect replicas of their behavior in vivo. The ease with which distinct circuit neurons are identified, recorded, and manipulated has provided considerable insight into the general principles of how motor circuits operate and are controlled at the cellular level. The small number of relatively large neurons has facilitated several technical advances in neuroscience research and allowed the identification of one of the earliest circuit connectomes. This enabled, for the first time, studies of circuit dynamics using the relationships between all component neurons of a nervous center. A major discovery was that circuits are not dedicated to producing a single neuronal activity pattern, and that the involved neurons are not committed to particular circuits. This flexibility results predominantly from the ability of neuromodulators to change the cellular and synaptic properties of circuit neurons. The relatively unique access to, and detailed documentation of, identified circuit, sensory, and descending pathways has also started new avenues into examining how individual modulatory neurons and transmitters affect their target cells. Groundbreaking experimental and modeling work has further demonstrated that the intrinsic properties of neurons depend on their recent history of activation and that neurons and circuits counterbalance destabilizing influences by compensatory homeostatic regulation of ionic conductances. The stomatogastric microcircuits continue to provide key insight into neural circuit operation in numerically larger and less accessible systems.

2014 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 1880-1890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippa J. Randall ◽  
Nai-Jen Hsu ◽  
Dirk Lang ◽  
Susan Cooper ◽  
Boipelo Sebesho ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection of the central nervous system is thought to be initiated once the bacilli have breached the blood brain barrier and are phagocytosed, primarily by microglial cells. In this study, the interactions ofM. tuberculosiswith neuronsin vitroandin vivowere investigated. The data obtained demonstrate that neurons can act as host cells forM. tuberculosis.M. tuberculosisbacilli were internalized by murine neuronal cultured cells in a time-dependent manner after exposure, with superior uptake by HT22 cells compared to Neuro-2a cells (17.7% versus 9.8%). Internalization ofM. tuberculosisbacilli by human SK-N-SH cultured neurons suggested the clinical relevance of the findings. Moreover, primary murine hippocampus-derived neuronal cultures could similarly internalizeM. tuberculosis. InternalizedM. tuberculosisbacilli represented a productive infection with retention of bacterial viability and replicative potential, increasing 2- to 4-fold within 48 h.M. tuberculosisbacillus infection of neurons was confirmedin vivoin the brains of C57BL/6 mice after intracerebral challenge. This study, therefore, demonstrates neurons as potential new target cells forM. tuberculosiswithin the central nervous system.


2008 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 7290.2008.00022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Viel ◽  
Estelle Dransart ◽  
Fariba Nemati ◽  
Emilie Henry ◽  
Benoit Thézé ◽  
...  

Delivery of drugs to the appropriate target cells would improve efficacy and reduce potential side effects. The nontoxic B-subunit of the intestinal pathogen-produced Shiga toxin (STxB) binds specifically to the glycosphingolipid Gb3, overex-pressed in membranes of certain tumor cells, and enters these cells through the retrograde pathway. Therefore, STxB binding to Gb3 receptors may be useful for cell-specific vectorization or imaging purposes. Here we labeled STxB with a fluorophore to evaluate its potential as an in vivo cell-specific targeting reagent in two different models of human colorectal carcinoma. Fluorescent STxB was administered systemically to xenografted nude mice, and its biodistribution was studied by optical imaging. The use of fluorescent STxB allowed the combination of the macroscopic observations with analyses at the cellular level using confocal microscopy. After administration, the fluorescent STxB was slowly eliminated by renal excretion. However, it accumulated in the tumor area. Furthermore, STxB was demonstrated to enter the Gb3-expressing tumoral cells, as well as the epithelial cells of the neovascularization and the monocytes and macrophages surrounding the xenografts.


2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
pp. 950-972 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn M. Blitz ◽  
Andrew E. Christie ◽  
Aaron P. Cook ◽  
Patsy S. Dickinson ◽  
Michael P. Nusbaum

Microcircuit modulation by peptides is well established, but the cellular/synaptic mechanisms whereby identified neurons with identified peptide transmitters modulate microcircuits remain unknown for most systems. Here, we describe the distribution of GYRKPPFNGSIFamide (Gly1-SIFamide) immunoreactivity (Gly1-SIFamide-IR) in the stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) of the crab Cancer borealis and the Gly1-SIFamide actions on the two feeding-related circuits in the stomatogastric ganglion (STG). Gly1-SIFamide-IR localized to somata in the paired commissural ganglia (CoGs), two axons in the nerves connecting each CoG with the STG, and the CoG and STG neuropil. We identified one Gly1-SIFamide-IR projection neuron innervating the STG as the previously identified modulatory commissural neuron 5 (MCN5). Brief (~10 s) MCN5 stimulation excites some pyloric circuit neurons. We now find that bath applying Gly1-SIFamide to the isolated STG also enhanced pyloric rhythm activity and activated an imperfectly coordinated gastric mill rhythm that included unusually prolonged bursts in two circuit neurons [inferior cardiac (IC), lateral posterior gastric (LPG)]. Furthermore, longer duration (>30 s) MCN5 stimulation activated a Gly1-SIFamide-like gastric mill rhythm, including prolonged IC and LPG bursting. The prolonged LPG bursting decreased the coincidence of its activity with neurons to which it is electrically coupled. We also identified local circuit feedback onto the MCN5 axon terminals, which may contribute to some distinctions between the responses to MCN5 stimulation and Gly1-SIFamide application. Thus, MCN5 adds to the few identified projection neurons that modulate a well-defined circuit at least partly via an identified neuropeptide transmitter and provides an opportunity to study peptide regulation of electrical coupled neurons in a functional context. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Limited insight exists regarding how identified peptidergic neurons modulate microcircuits. We show that the modulatory projection neuron modulatory commissural neuron 5 (MCN5) is peptidergic, containing Gly1-SIFamide. MCN5 and Gly1-SIFamide elicit similar output from two well-defined motor circuits. Their distinct actions may result partly from circuit feedback onto the MCN5 axon terminals. Their similar actions include eliciting divergent activity patterns in normally coactive, electrically coupled neurons, providing an opportunity to examine peptide modulation of electrically coupled neurons in a functional context.


2002 ◽  
Vol 205 (7) ◽  
pp. 877-896 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. H. Elliott ◽  
A. J. Susswein

SUMMARY Over the last 30 years, many laboratories have examined, in parallel, the feeding behaviour of gastropod molluscs and the properties of the nervous system that give rise to this behaviour. Equal attention to both behavioural and neurobiological issues has provided deep insight into the functioning of the nervous system in generating and controlling behaviour. The conclusions derived from studies on gastropod feeding are generally consistent with those from other systems, but often provide more detailed information on the behavioural function of a particular property of the nervous system. A review of the literature on gastropod feeding illustrates a number of important messages. (i) Many of the herbivorous gastropods display similarities in behaviour that are reflected in corresponding similarities in neural anatomy,pharmacology and physiology. By contrast, the same aspects of the behaviour of different carnivorous species are quite variable, possibly because of their specialised prey-capture techniques. Nonetheless, some aspects of the neural control of feeding are preserved. (ii) Feeding in all species is flexible,with the behaviour and the physiology adapting to changes in the current environment and internal state and as a result of past experience. Flexibility arises via processes that may take place at many neural sites, and much of the modulation underlying behavioural flexibility is understood at a systems and at a cellular level. (iii) Neurones seem to have specific functions that are consistent with their endogenous properties and their synaptic connections, suggesting that individual neurones code specific pieces of information (i.e. they are `grandmother cells'). However, the properties of a neurone can be extremely complex and can be understood only in the context of the complete neural circuit and the behaviour that it controls. In systems that are orders of magnitude more complex, it would be impossible to understand the functional properties of an individual neurone, even if it also coded specific information. (iv) Systems such as gastropod feeding may provide a model for understanding the functional properties of more complex systems.


2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 481-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena V. Romanova ◽  
Natasha McKay ◽  
Klaudiusz R. Weiss ◽  
Jonathan V. Sweedler ◽  
John Koester

Splice-variant products of the R15 neuropeptide gene are differentially expressed within the CNS of Aplysia. The goal of this study was to test whether the neurons in the abdominal ganglion that express the peptides encoded by this gene are part of a common circuit. Expression of R15 peptides had been demonstrated previously in neuron R15. Using a combination of immunocytochemical and analytical methods, this study demonstrated that R15 peptides are also expressed in heart exciter neuron RBHE, the two L9G gill motoneurons, and L40—a newly identified interneuron. Mass spectrometric profiling of individual neurons that exhibit R15 peptide-like immunoreactivity confirmed the mutually exclusive expression of two splice-variant forms of R15 peptides in different neurons. The L9G cells were found to co-express pedal peptide in addition to the R15 peptides. The R15 peptide-expressing neurons examined here were shown to be part of an autonomic control circuit that is active during fictive locomotion. Activity in this circuit contributes to implementing a central command that may help to coordinate autonomic activity with escape locomotion. Chronic extracellular nerve recording was used to determine the activity patterns of a subset of neurons of this circuit in vivo. These results demonstrate the potential utility of using shared patterns of neuropeptide expression as a guide for neural circuit identification.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Morara ◽  
Anna Maria Colangelo ◽  
Luciano Provini

Microglia-induced maladaptive plasticity is being recognized as a major cause of deleterious self-sustaining pathological processes that occur in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. Microglia, the primary homeostatic guardian of the central nervous system, exert critical functions both during development, in neural circuit reshaping, and during adult life, in the brain physiological and pathological surveillance. This delicate critical role can be disrupted by neural, but also peripheral, noxious stimuli that can prime microglia to become overreactive to a second noxious stimulus or worsen underlying pathological processes. Among regulators of microglia, neuropeptides can play a major role. Their receptors are widely expressed in microglial cells and neuropeptide challenge can potently influence microglial activityin vitro. More relevantly, this regulator activity has been assessed alsoin vivo, in experimental models of brain diseases. Neuropeptide action in the central nervous system has been associated with beneficial effects in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory pathological experimental models. This review describes some of the mechanisms of the microglia maladaptive plasticityin vivoand how neuropeptide activity can represent a useful therapeutical target in a variety of human brain pathologies.


Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 370 (6520) ◽  
pp. 1099-1104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasper Z. Williams ◽  
Greg M. Allen ◽  
Devan Shah ◽  
Igal S. Sterin ◽  
Ki H. Kim ◽  
...  

Living cells often identify their correct partner or target cells by integrating information from multiple receptors, achieving levels of recognition that are difficult to obtain with individual molecular interactions. In this study, we engineered a diverse library of multireceptor cell-cell recognition circuits by using synthetic Notch receptors to transcriptionally interconnect multiple molecular recognition events. These synthetic circuits allow engineered T cells to integrate extra- and intracellular antigen recognition, are robust to heterogeneity, and achieve precise recognition by integrating up to three different antigens with positive or negative logic. A three-antigen AND gate composed of three sequentially linked receptors shows selectivity in vivo, clearing three-antigen tumors while ignoring related two-antigen tumors. Daisy-chaining multiple molecular recognition events together in synthetic circuits provides a powerful way to engineer cellular-level recognition.


Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1905 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard Kaps ◽  
Nadine Leber ◽  
Adrian Klefenz ◽  
Niklas Choteschovsky ◽  
Rudolf Zentel ◽  
...  

Macrophages are the front soldiers of the innate immune system and are vital for immune defense, tumor surveillance, and tissue homeostasis. In chronic diseases, including cancer and liver fibrosis, macrophages can be forced into an immunosuppressive and profibrotic M2 phenotype. M2-type macrophages overexpress the mannose receptor CD206. Targeting these cells via CD206 and macrophage repolarization towards an immune stimulating and antifibrotic M1 phenotype through RNA interference represents an appealing therapeutic approach. We designed nanohydrogel particles equipped with mannose residues on the surface (ManNP) that delivered siRNA more efficiently to M2 polarized macrophages compared to their untargeted counterparts (NonNP) in vitro. The ManNP were then assessed for their in vivo targeting potential in mice with experimental liver fibrosis that is characterized by increased profibrotic (and immunosuppressive) M2-type macrophages. Double-labelled siRNA-loaded ManNP carrying two different near infrared labels for siRNA and ManNP showed good biocompatibility and robust uptake in fibrotic livers as assessed by in vivo near infrared imaging. siRNA–ManNP were highly colocalized with CD206+ M2-type macrophages on a cellular level, while untargeted NP (NonNP) showed little colocalization and were non-specifically taken up by other liver cells. ManNP did not induce hepatic inflammation or kidney dysfunction, as demonstrated by serological analysis. In conclusion, α-mannosyl-functionalized ManNP direct NP towards M2-type macrophages in diseased livers and prevent unspecific uptake in non-target cells. ManNP are promising vehicles for siRNA and other drugs for immunomodulatory treatment of liver fibrosis and liver cancer.


2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (15) ◽  
pp. 8312-8321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bimmi Shrestha ◽  
Michael S. Diamond

ABSTRACT Infection with West Nile virus (WNV) causes fatal encephalitis more frequently in immunocompromised humans than in those with a healthy immune system. Although a complete understanding of this increased risk remains unclear, experiments with mice have begun to define how different components of the adaptive and innate immune response function to limit infection. Previously, we demonstrated that components of humoral immunity, particularly immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG, have critical roles in preventing dissemination of WNV infection to the central nervous system. In this study, we addressed the function of CD8+ T cells in controlling WNV infection. Mice that lacked CD8+ T cells or classical class Ia major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens had higher central nervous system viral burdens and increased mortality rates after infection with a low-passage-number WNV isolate. In contrast, an absence of CD8+ T cells had no effect on the qualitative or quantitative antibody response and did not alter the kinetics or magnitude of viremia. In the subset of CD8+-T-cell-deficient mice that survived initial WNV challenge, infectious virus was recovered from central nervous system compartments for several weeks. Primary or memory CD8+ T cells that were generated in vivo efficiently killed target cells that displayed WNV antigens in a class I MHC-restricted manner. Collectively, our experiments suggest that, while specific antibody is responsible for terminating viremia, CD8+ T cells have an important function in clearing infection from tissues and preventing viral persistence.


F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 200 ◽  
Author(s):  
James N. Sleigh ◽  
Alessio Vagnoni ◽  
Alison E. Twelvetrees ◽  
Giampietro Schiavo

Axonal transport is the active process whereby neurons transport cargoes such as organelles and proteins anterogradely from the cell body to the axon terminal and retrogradely in the opposite direction. Bi-directional transport in axons is absolutely essential for the functioning and survival of neurons and appears to be negatively impacted by both aging and diseases of the nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The movement of individual cargoes along axons has been studied in vitro in live neurons and tissue explants for a number of years; however, it is currently unclear as to whether these systems faithfully and consistently replicate the in vivo situation. A number of intravital techniques originally developed for studying diverse biological events have recently been adapted to monitor axonal transport in real-time in a range of live organisms and are providing novel insight into this dynamic process. Here, we highlight these methodological advances in intravital imaging of axonal transport, outlining key strengths and limitations while discussing findings, possible improvements, and outstanding questions.


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