Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia Bukanova, Elena Solntseva, Rodion Kondratenko, Eva Kudova
Summary: Epi is a positive modulator of GABA-induced chloride current (I-GABA) with an EC50 of 5.7 μM in Purkinje cells and 9.3 μM in hippocampal neurons. The potentiation of I-GABA by Epi is more pronounced at low GABA concentrations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dieter Janzen, Benedikt Slavik, Markus Zehe, Christoph Sotriffer, Helene M. Loos, Andrea Buettner, Carmen Villmann
Summary: This study analyzed the modulatory potential of 11 SQTs at GABA(A) receptors to characterize their potential neurotropic activity. The research found differences in receptor modulation by SQTs in HEK293 cells and neurons, with the presence of gamma(2) and delta subunits being important for SQT modulation. Additionally, the study provided insight into how nutritional digestion can affect the neurotropic potential of natural compounds.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fiona O'Brien, Claire H. Feetham, Caroline A. Staunton, Kathryn Hext, Richard Barrett-Jolley
Summary: The transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V Member 4 (Trpv4) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus plays an important role in temperature sensitivity of PVN neurons, affecting their activity frequency. At physiological temperatures, the activity frequency of PVN neurons is primarily regulated by Trpm2 channels, while at room temperature, it is mainly regulated by reduced Trpv4 activity.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lora L. Martucci, Jean-Marie Launay, Natsuko Kawakami, Cecile Sicard, Nathalie Desvignes, Mbarka Dakouane-Giudicelli, Barbara Spix, Maude Tetu, Franck -Olivier Gilmaire, Sloane Paulcan, Jacques Callebert, Cyrille Vaillend, Franz Bracher, Christian Grimm, Philippe Fossier, Sabine de la Porte, Hirotaka Sakamoto, John Morris, Antony Galione, Sylvie Granon, Jose-Manuel Cancela
Summary: Oxytocin is released in response to Ca2+ influx and release from intracellular stores, both critical for priming large dense-cored vesicles in hypothalamic neurons for exocytosis. This study shows that lysosomes surround dendritic vesicles and activation of endolysosomal two-pore channels (TPCs) provides the necessary Ca2+ signals to prime oxytocin release. TPC knockout mice and mice lacking TPC exhibit impaired oxytocin secretion and social behavior, which can be restored by direct administration of oxytocin.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia V. Bukanova, Rodion V. Kondratenko, Elena I. Solntseva
Summary: This study investigates the interaction between positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) and competitive antagonists of GABA(A)Rs, demonstrating unblocking effects and revealing an allosteric relationship between these two types of compounds.
JOURNAL OF STEROID BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anesthesiology
Misa Oyama, Shun Watanabe, Takashi Iwai, Mitsuo Tanabe
Summary: Increasing the levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters by blocking their reuptake is a promising therapeutic strategy for relieving chronic pain. In this study, the effects of GABA transporter inhibitors on synaptic transmission in the spinal dorsal horn were investigated. The results showed that GAT1 and GAT3 inhibitors exert distinct GABA(B) receptor-mediated inhibitory effects on excitatory synaptic transmission, contributing to their analgesic effects.
Article
Neurosciences
Dhamyaa Abed Najm Al-Halboosi, Olena Savchenko, Lora K. Heisler, Sergiy Sylantyev
Summary: Obesity is a global health challenge caused by excessive calorie intake. The brain plays a crucial role in controlling food intake, and NAG neurons, which co-express NPY, AgRP, and GABA, are identified as hunger and food intake stimulators. Activation of 5-HT1BR leads to a decrease in food intake by suppressing NAG neuron activity and neurotransmitter release.
Review
Neurosciences
Angel Baudon, Etienne Clauss Creusot, Ferdinand Althammer, Christian P. Schaaf, Alexandre Charlet
Summary: The neuropeptide oxytocin has been studied for its effects on physiology, neuronal circuits, and behaviors, particularly sociality. Recent studies have shown the existence and importance of astroglial oxytocin receptors in various brain regions. The role of astrocytic oxytocin receptors in neuromodulation and integrated brain functions still needs further investigation.
PROGRESS IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Milica Gusic, Klaus Benndorf, Christian Sattler
Summary: Our study reveals that each occupied binding site contributes to channel activation in P2X7 receptors. While the occupation of a single binding site can activate the channels, three bound ligands maximally stabilize the open state, suggesting a stepwise activation process for P2X7 receptors.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Olga A. Sergeeva, Karolina Mazur, David Reiner-Link, Kiril Lutsenko, Helmut L. Haas, Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto, Holger Stark
Summary: Researchers have found that Nα-oleoylhistamine (OLHA) can modulate the activity of histaminergic (HA) neurons in mice. OLHA has different effects on HA neuron firing depending on its concentration. The excitatory and rise in intracellular calcium caused by OLHA are influenced by specific receptors and inhibitors, possibly related to fatty acid metabolism and the PKA pathway. PPAR-alpha and H3 receptors play important roles in this process.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Ian Delgadillo Bonequi, Abraham Stroschein, Lucas J. Koerner
Summary: This article describes a custom and open-source FPGA-based data acquisition system that is used for electrophysiology and closed-loop feedback experiments. The system combines FPGA acquisition and processing with high-speed analog and digital converters to enable real-time feedback. The digital approach simplifies experimental setup and repeatability by allowing for system identification and in situ tuning of filter bandwidths.
REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Eunyoung Bang, Angelika Tobery, Karienn S. Montgomery, Annette S. Fincher, David J. Earnest, David A. Murchison, William H. Griffith
Summary: The study investigated the mechanism of action of amitriptyline in aged mice and found that low concentrations of amitriptyline can reduce the frequency of inhibitory postsynaptic currents by modulating neurotransmitter release, with this effect not diminishing in aged mice.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Diana Lucaci, Xiao Yu, Paul Chadderton, William Wisden, Stephen G. Brickley
Summary: We investigated the effects of histamine and GABA release from TMN axons projecting to the PFC on circuit processing. Histamine stimulated fast-spiking interneurons, while released GABA enhanced tonic inhibition on PyrNs. Histamine-induced gain changes were blocked by histamine receptor antagonists, while GABA-induced gain changes were blocked by GABAA receptor antagonists. The GABA modulation of PyrN excitability by TMNHDC axons increased significantly in older mice, potentially enhancing information processing and maintaining cognition in aging individuals.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Thao Nguyen Thi Phuong, Seon Hui Jang, Santosh Rijal, Woo Kwon Jung, Junghyun Kim, Soo Joung Park, Seong Kyu Han
Summary: The study examined how linalool acted on SG neurons of the Vc in mice, revealing that linalool exhibits GABA- and glycine-mimetic effects. This suggests that linalool can be a promising target molecule for orofacial pain management by activating inhibitory neurotransmission in the SG area of the Vc.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrew P. Patton, Emma L. Morris, David McManus, Huan Wang, Yulong Li, Jason W. Chin, Michael H. Hastings
Summary: The hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the master mammalian circadian clock. GABA plays a role in circuit-level timekeeping of SCN neurons, despite the inhibitory effect of increased neuronal firing. The astrocytic clocks in SCN maintain the circadian clockwork by controlling GABAergic inhibition.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Patrycja Orlowska-Feuer, Annette Elisabeth Allen, Timothy Matthew Brown, Hanna Jowita Szkudlarek, Robert James Lucas, Riccardo Storchi
Summary: Neurophysiological activity in the subcortical visual system shows fluctuations in infra-slow and fast oscillatory ranges, with the phase of infra-slow modulating fast beta/gamma oscillations. Genetic ablations reveal that infra-slow and fast oscillations interact uniquely, potentially guiding visual processing. This interaction may play a significant role in vision function and disruptions in these oscillatory behaviors could contribute to vision dysfunction in retinal dystrophy.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2021)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Nina Milosavljevic, Timothy M. Brown, Robert J. Lucas
Summary: In this issue of Neuron, Huang et al. (2021) demonstrate a new influence of light on memory, showing that prolonged exposure to bright light can enhance spatial memory in mice. They attribute this effect to a neural circuit involving the retina, ventral lateral geniculate, and reuniens nuclei.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jessica Rodgers, Beatriz Bano-Otalora, Mino D. C. Belle, Sarika Paul, Rebecca Hughes, Phillip Wright, Richard McDowell, Nina Milosavljevic, Patrycja Orlowska-Feuer, Franck P. Martial, Jonathan Wynne, Edward R. Ballister, Riccardo Storchi, Annette E. Allen, Timothy Brown, Robert J. Lucas
Summary: There is no consensus on the best inhibitory optogenetic tool. Gi/o signalling is a native mechanism of neuronal inhibition, and Lamprey Parapinopsin (Lamplight) can be used for optogenetic silencing by switching between stable signalling active and inactive states with different wavelengths. The properties of Lamplight can be applied to achieve switchable neuronal hyperpolarisation and suppression of spontaneous spike firing in specific brain regions. Expressing Lamplight in ON bipolar cells can photosensitise retinas following advanced photoreceptor degeneration, showing potential for scalable, sustained, and reversible optogenetic inhibition.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Timothy M. Brown, Kavita Thapan, Josephine Arendt, Victoria L. Revell, Debra J. Skene
Summary: The influence of light on human physiology and behavior is well-established, with studies showing that both melanopsin and S-cones play a role in the suppression of melatonin. Data suggests an initial contribution of S-cones to melatonin suppression that diminishes under extended light exposure.
JOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Josh W. Mouland, Franck P. Martial, Robert J. Lucas, Timothy M. Brown
Summary: This study found that changes in melanopsin irradiance largely account for the light-induced changes in SCN activity in naturalistic spatiotemporal variations, while cone signals only influenced SCN activity when spatiotemporal contrast was low. These results emphasize the importance of modulating effective irradiance for melanopsin in controlling the circadian impact of light.
JOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Edward A. Hayter, Sophie M. T. Wehrens, Hans P. A. Van Dongen, Alessandra Stangherlin, Shobhan Gaddameedhi, Elena Crooks, Nichola J. Barron, Luigi A. Venetucci, John S. O' Neill, Timothy M. Brown, Debra J. Skene, Andrew W. Trafford, David A. Bechtold
Summary: The electrical activity of the heart is regulated by circadian clocks in the brain and heart, leading to time-dependent susceptibility to arrhythmias. Different inputs from the autonomic nervous system and cardiomyocyte clock affect the SA and AV nodes, making the cardiac conduction system sensitive to abrupt changes in behavior and sleep-wake timing.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Josh W. Mouland, Abigail Pienaar, Christopher Williams, Alex J. Watson, Robert J. Lucas, Timothy M. Brown
Summary: Color vision, originated from opponent processing of spectrally distinct photoreceptor signals, plays crucial roles in animal behavior, including in laboratory mammals like mice. Recent studies have found that mice demonstrate robust chromatic discrimination in the central-upper visual field, challenging the traditional notion of color vision impediment due to the expression gradient of Sand M-cone opsin in the retina. Moreover, new mechanisms beyond the proposed retinal opponent processes may be involved in supporting extensive and sophisticated color processing in the mouse lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN).
Article
Neurosciences
Lukasz Chrobok, Jasmin D. Klich, Jagoda S. Jeczmien-Lazur, Kamil Pradel, Katarzyna Palus-Chramiec, Anna M. Sanetra, Hugh D. Piggins, Marian H. Lewandowski
Summary: Recent research has shown that the dorsal vagal complex possesses strong circadian timekeeping capabilities, with specific areas showing robust clock properties. The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, as an executory part of this complex, plays a role in regulating gastric motility and energy homeostasis. This study found that neuronal activity in the DMV varies with time of day and diet, providing important insights into the daily control of vagal efferents and parasympathetic outflow.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Lukasz Chrobok, Jasmin D. Klich, Anna M. Sanetra, Jagoda S. Jeczmien-Lazur, Kamil Pradel, Katarzyna Palus-Chramiec, Mariusz Kepczynski, Hugh D. Piggins, Marian H. Lewandowski
Summary: Short-term consumption of a high-fat diet increases daytime food intake and blunts daily rhythms in NTS neuronal discharge, while also decreasing responsiveness to metabolic neuropeptides and orexin immunoreactive fibres. These alterations occur without prominent body weight gain, suggesting that a high-fat diet initially reduces activity in the dorsal vagal complex to disinhibit mechanisms that suppress daytime feeding.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2022)
Article
Biology
Alun Thomas Lloyd Hughes, Rayna Eve Samuels, Beatriz Bano-Otalora, Mino David Charles Belle, Sven Wegner, Clare Guilding, Rebecca Catrin Northeast, Andrew Stewart Irvine Loudon, John Gigg, Hugh David Piggins
Summary: Studies have shown that daily scheduled voluntary exercise promotes suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) clock cell synchrony and robust 24-hour rhythms in behavior in mice. This suggests the potential utility of regular exercise as a non-invasive intervention for the elderly or mentally ill individuals with poorly aligned circadian rhythms.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Altug Didikoglu, Benjamin Walker, Asri Maharani, Neil Pendleton, Maria Merce Canal, Antony Payton, Jon Gibson, Timothy Brown
Summary: Individuals with an 'evening' chronotype have a higher risk of adverse occupational, educational, and health outcomes in older adults due to their vulnerability to circadian and sleep disruption.
CHRONOBIOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Timothy M. Brown, George C. Brainard, Christian Cajochen, Charles A. Czeisler, John P. Hanifin, Steven W. Lockley, Robert J. Lucas, Mirjam Muench, John B. O'Hagan, Stuart N. Peirson, Luke L. A. Price, Till Roenneberg, Luc J. M. Schlangen, Debra J. Skene, Manuel Spitschan, Celine Vetter, Phyllis C. Zee, Kenneth P. Wright
Summary: Ocular light exposure has significant effects on human health and well-being, affecting circadian rhythms, sleep, neuroendocrine and cognitive functions. Advances in understanding the mechanisms and emerging lighting technologies allow for the adjustment of lighting to promote optimal physical and mental health and performance. A new international standard provides a way to quantify the influence of light on retinal neurons, and this report provides lighting recommendations based on scientific consensus, with a focus on easily measured quantities.
Article
Neurosciences
Jagoda S. Jeczmien-Lazur, Anna M. Sanetra, Kamil Pradel, Gabriela Izowit, Lukasz Chrobok, Katarzyna Palus-Chramiec, Hugh D. Piggins, Marian H. Lewandowski
Summary: The intergeniculate leaflet and ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (IGL/VLG) play an important role in entraining the brain's circadian system to various cues. We investigated the sensitivity of IGL/VLG neurons to metabolism-related peptides and found that they responded to most of the substances tested, suggesting their involvement in the body's energy homeostasis.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Timna Hitrec, Cheryl Petit, Emily Cryer, Charlotte Muir, Natalie Tal, Jean-Michel Fustin, Alun T. L. Hughes, Hugh D. Piggins
Summary: Timed daily access to a running-wheel synchronizes circadian rhythms and promotes stable rhythms in animals with impaired neuropeptide signaling. The transcriptome of the brain clock showed extensive dysregulation in these animals, but the molecular programs in the liver and lung were partially intact. Furthermore, exercise could correct behavioral abnormalities in circadian rhythms without causing large scale alterations in the brain clock.
Article
Biology
E. Tamayo, J. W. Mouland, R. J. Lucas, T. M. Brown
Summary: Animal survival depends on the ability to adjust behavior according to environmental conditions, including the perception of light. The circadian system plays a key role in regulating rest and activity based on diel changes in light quantity and spectral content. This study reveals that the acute effects of light on behavior in mice are influenced by both melanopsin-dependent irradiance signals and the spectral content of the light.
Article
Neurosciences
Yang He, Jun Tang, Meng Zhang, Junjie Ying, Dezhi Mu
Summary: This study investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of human placenta derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) transplantation in a rat model of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The results showed that hPMSCs transplantation reduced apoptosis and improved long-term neurological prognosis. Furthermore, the downregulation of Sema 3A/NRP-1 expression and activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway played a key role in the protective effects of hPMSCs.
Article
Neurosciences
Emily L. Isenstein, Edward G. Freedman, Jiayi Xu, Ian A. DeAndrea-Lazarus, John J. Foxe
Summary: This study evaluated electrophysiological discrimination of parametric somatosensory stimuli in healthy young adults to understand how the brain processes the duration of tactile information. The results showed that participants did not electrophysiologically discriminate between 100 and 115 ms, but they exhibited distinct electrophysiological responses when the deviant stimuli were 130, 145, and 160 ms. These findings contribute to a better understanding of tactile sensitivity in different clinical conditions.
Article
Neurosciences
Juliana R. Souza, Ludmila Lima-Silveira, Daniela Accorsi-Mendonca, Benedito H. Machado
Summary: This study demonstrates that A2A receptors play a crucial role in modulating synaptic transmission in the NTS neurons and are required for the enhancement of glutamatergic transmission observed under short-term sustained hypoxia conditions.
Article
Neurosciences
Miki Hashizume, Rina Ito, Rie Suge, Yasushi Hojo, Gen Murakami, Takayuki Murakoshi
Summary: The basolateral amygdaloid complex (BLA) is closely involved in the formation of emotional memories, including both aversive memory and contextual fear memory. Acute sleep deprivation (SD) disrupts the acquisition of tone-associated fear memory in juvenile rats, but has no significant effect on contextual fear memory. Slow network oscillation in the amygdala contributes to the formation of amygdala-dependent fear memory in relation to sleep.
Article
Neurosciences
Qunxian Wang, Shipeng Guo, Dongjie Hu, Xiangjun Dong, Zijun Meng, Yanshuang Jiang, Zijuan Feng, Weihui Zhou, Weihong Song
Summary: GSDME plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease by regulating the switch from apoptosis to pyroptosis and participating in neuroinflammatory response. Knockdown of GSDME has been shown to improve cognitive impairments, indicating that GSDME could be a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.
