Article
Neurosciences
Norbert Hogrefe, Sigrid M. Blom, Kristina Valentinova, Niels R. Ntamati, Lotte J. E. Jonker, Natalie E. Nevian, Thomas Nevian
Summary: Malfunctioning synaptic plasticity is a major mechanism in the development of chronic pain. This study shows that even after recovery, the impact of chronic compression injury on synaptic plasticity persists.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Yanqiong Wu, Qiaochu Fu, Xiaoxia Huang, Yifan Luo, Shengjun Wan, Minjing Peng, Shanchun Su, Xueqin Xu, Yang Li, Xiaohui Li, Dongsheng Sun, Changbin Ke
Summary: Neuropathic pain is the most common symptom for which patients seek medical attention. Knockdown of the NWD1 gene can reverse the enhanced synaptic plasticity and development of neuropathic pain in experimental models. Additionally, knockdown of NWD1 can also inhibit dendritic growth and synaptogenesis.
Article
Neurosciences
Shao-Rui Chen, Hong Chen, Daozhong Jin, Hui-Lin Pan
Summary: Treatment with opioids not only inhibits nociceptive transmission but also elicits a rebound and persistent increase in primary afferent input to the spinal cord. Opioid-elicited long-term potentiation (LTP) from TRPV1-expressing primary afferents plays a major role in opioid-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance. The study found that opioid-elicited LTP occurs in VGluT2 neurons in the spinal dorsal horn, and not in VGAT neurons, with underlying signaling mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Antonella Comitato, Enza Lacivita, Marcello Leopoldo, Rita Bardoni
Summary: The 5-HT7 receptors play an important role in synaptic modulation, particularly in synaptic inhibition, in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The stronger impact on synaptic inhibition suggests that these receptors may have an anti-nociceptive role in the spinal cord of naive animals.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jung-Hyun Alex Lee, Qiyu Chen, Min Zhuo
Summary: This review summarizes recent progress in synaptic mechanisms of different forms of cortical long-term potentiation (LTP) and their potential contribution to behavioral pain and emotional changes.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhihong Sun, Ping Meng, Chunyu Su, Shengmin Ji, Yonglin Gao, Hongbo Wang, Jingwei Tian, Chunmei Li
Summary: The novel PSD95-nNOS inhibitor PCC-0105002 demonstrated dose-dependent attenuation of pain-associated behaviors in the formalin test, suppressed mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in the SNL model, and altered downstream signaling of NMDAR leading to attenuation of synaptic plasticity.
TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Meng-Hua Zhou, Shao-Rui Chen, Li Wang, Yuying Huang, Meichun Deng, Jixiang Zhang, Jiyuan Zhang, Hong Chen, Jiusheng Yan, Hui-Lin Pan
Summary: The study identified the roles of PKC and alpha 2 delta-1 in controlling NMDAR activity, showing that co-expression of alpha 2 delta-1 significantly increased NMDAR activity, while PKC activation only increased receptor activity in cells co-expressing alpha 2 delta-1. Furthermore, phosphoproteomics analysis identified the phosphorylation sites responsible for NMDAR potentiation by PKC and alpha 2 delta-1.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Salomon Z. Muller, L. F. Abbott, Nathaniel B. Sawtell
Summary: In weakly electric mormyrid fish, sensory input selectively modulates the rate of dendritic spiking by adjusting the amplitude of backpropagating axonal action potentials. This mechanism does not require spatially segregated synaptic inputs or dendritic compartmentalization but relies instead on an electrotonically distant spike initiation site in the axon.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yasaman Alaghband, Peter M. Klein, Eniko A. Kramar, Michael N. Cranston, Bayley C. Perry, Lukas M. Shelerud, Alice E. Kane, Ngoc-Lien Doan, Ning Ru, Munjal M. Acharya, Marcelo A. Wood, David A. Sinclair, Dara L. Dickstein, Ivan Soltesz, Charles L. Limoli, Janet E. Baulch
Summary: Technological advancements have enabled realistic simulations of cosmic radiation and its effects on central nervous system functionality. This study focused on the responses of male and female mice to acute or chronic radiations relevant to deep space travel and found that exposure to GCR Sim induced persistent impairments in memory formation and reconsolidation in female mice, but not in males. Other observed effects included impaired object recognition in irradiated males and increased aggressive behavior in chronically irradiated males. Electrophysiology studies revealed disruptions in synaptic plasticity in both sexes, while ultrastructural analyses found smaller postsynaptic densities and thinner myelin sheathes in chronically exposed mice. These findings provide further evidence that space-relevant radiation exposures can disrupt critical cognitive processes, albeit not to the extent that was previously predicted.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Bryony L. Winters, Benjamin K. Lau, Christopher W. Vaughan
Summary: The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) plays a central role in pain modulation. Opioids and cannabinoids activate descending pathways by relieving GABAergic inhibition of PAG neurons and suppressing GABAergic inputs from the amygdala. Opioids inhibit both intrinsic and extrinsic GABAergic inputs onto all PAG neurons, while cannabinoids selectively inhibit the direct GABAergic input from the amygdala onto PAG projection neurons.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Roberto Colangeli, Maria Morena, Allison Werner, Roger J. Thompson, Mario van der Stelt, Quentin J. Pittman, Matthew N. Hill, Campbell Teskey
Summary: Repeated seizures result in persistent alteration of endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling, particularly a deficiency in anandamide signaling in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), leading to abnormal synaptic function and emotional behavior. This study found that repeated seizures reduced tonic and phasic eCB-mediated retrograde signaling in GABA transmission. These effects were not due to changes in CB1 receptor sensitivity or altered baseline 2-AG signaling, but rather impaired stimulus-dependent 2-AG synthesis/release.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Candice M. Roux, Pierre Lecouflet, Jean-Marie Billard, Elise Esneault, Marianne Leger, Pascale Schumann-Bard, Thomas Freret
Summary: Acute hippocampal slice preparations have been commonly used in studying the anti-amnesic properties of drug candidates on long-term potentiation (LTP). Genetic background is crucial in experimental design, considering the availability of various transgenic mouse models. In this study, LTP was compared between inbred and outbred mice, showing reduced LTP magnitude in outbred mice due to lower responsiveness to theta-frequency during conditioning stimuli. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering animal models in electrophysiological experiments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Guang-Fen Zhang, Zhi-Qiang Zhou, Jie Guo, Han-Wen Gu, Ming-Zhao Su, Bao-Cong Yu, Feng Zhou, Bao-Yu Han, Min Jia, Mu-Huo Ji, Yuan-Xiang Tao, Chun-Jie Zhao, Jian-Jun Yang
Summary: The study revealed that HDAC3 in the hippocampus plays a role in memory impairment following chronic neuropathic pain, and the HDAC3 antagonist RGFP966 can alleviate memory impairment and improve hippocampal function. Overexpression of HDAC3 in the hippocampus leads to memory impairment without affecting pain responses in naïve mice.
Article
Neurosciences
Guang-Fen Zhang, Shao-Rui Chen, Daozhong Jin, Yuying Huang, Hong Chen, Hui-Lin Pan
Summary: Systemic treatment with resiniferatoxin (RTX) induces small-fiber sensory neuropathy by damaging TRPV1-expressing primary sensory neurons and leads to distinct thermal sensory impairments and tactile allodynia. The synaptic plasticity associated with RTX-induced tactile allodynia involves alpha 2 delta-1 upregulation in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and increased physical interaction between alpha 2 delta-1 and GluN1 in spinal cord synaptosomes, leading to potentiation of nociceptive input and tactile allodynia.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Anesthesiology
Caroline Perchet, Koichi Hagiwara, Charbel Salameh, Luis Garcia-Larrea
Summary: Recording cold-evoked potentials (CEPs) can improve the objective assessment of human thermo-nociceptive function. The reliability and diagnostic use of CEP recordings in clinical conditions have not been documented. Joint recording of CEPs and laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) can increase the sensitivity of neurophysiological techniques to thin fiber-spinothalamic lesions, especially when abnormalities of cold perception predominate.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAIN
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Josu Zabala Mata, Ion Lascurain-Aguirrebena, Estibaliz Dominguez Lopez, Jon Jatsu Azkue
Summary: The study found that patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain (NSNP) have increased pronociceptive and impaired antinociceptive mechanisms, contributing to long-lasting pain and treatment failures. However, the observational nature of the study prevents establishing a clear cause-effect relationship. Normal PPT values should not be interpreted as absence of altered nociceptive processing in the clinic environment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diego Delgado, Ane Miren Bilbao, Maider Beitia, Ane Garate, Pello Sanchez, Imanol Gonzalez-Burguera, Amaia Isasti, Maider Lopez De Jesus, Jone Zuazo-Ibarra, Alejandro Montilla, Maria Domercq, Estibaliz Capetillo-Zarate, Gontzal Garcia del Cano, Joan Salles, Carlos Matute, Mikel Sanchez
Summary: The age of the donors affects the efficacy of PRP on cellular models of the CNS, with PRP from younger donors showing more pronounced biological responses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Jon Egana-Huguet, Itziar Bonilla-Del Rio, Sonia M. Gomez-Urquijo, Amaia Mimenza, Miquel Saumell-Esnaola, Leire Borrega-Roman, Gontzal Garcia del Cano, Joan Salles, Nagore Puente, Inmaculada Gerrikagoitia, Izaskun Elezgarai, Pedro Grandes
Summary: TRPV1 and CB1R are two receptors that act on excitatory synapses in the hippocampus, influencing each other, and compensatory changes in the endocannabinoid system occur in the absence of TRPV1.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Jon Jatsu Azkue
Summary: The study demonstrates the use of graphic strategies and presentation modes to deliver anatomical information and knowledge by embedding 3D models in PDF files. Through the use of both freely and commercially available software, anatomical structures are converted into U3D format and embedded into PDF files, with user interaction pre-configured using tools in Adobe Acrobat and JavaScript scripting.
Article
Cell Biology
Leyre Echeazarra, Gontzal Garcia del Cano, Sergio Barrondo, Imanol Gonzalez-Burguera, Miquel Saumell-Esnaola, Xabier Aretxabala, Maider Lopez de Jesus, Leire Borrega-Roman, Susana Mato, Catherine Ledent, Carlos Matute, Maria Aranzazu Goicolea, Joan Salles
Summary: This study identifies specific anti-CB1 antibodies for particular research purposes, highlighting the importance of proper validation before use. The research shows that different antibodies may behave differently in various assays, indicating a need for tailored antibody selection based on specific experimental requirements. These results provide valuable insights for interpreting past and future research results involving anti-CB1 antibodies.
HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Jon Jatsu Azkue
Summary: This study aimed to create a collection of digital, printable 3D surface models demonstrating major morphogenetic changes in the embryo's external anatomy, which can serve as a novel resource for teaching and learning embryology. The reconstructed replica reproduced the external anatomy of the actual specimens in great detail, providing a better appreciation of human embryonic development.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Jon Egana-Huguet, Miquel Saumell-Esnaola, Svein Achicallende, Edgar Soria-Gomez, Itziar Bonilla-Del Rio, Gontzal Garcia del Cano, Sergio Barrondo, Joan Salles, Inmaculada Gerrikagoitia, Nagore Puente, Izaskun Elezgarai, Pedro Grandes
Summary: The absence of TRPV1 alters CB1 receptor signaling in the dentate gyrus, leading to a shift from LTD to LTP at the MPP-GC synapses. Additionally, the lack of TRPV1 influences the activity of CB1 receptors and affects synaptic functions in the brain.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
M. A. Goicolea, A. Gomez-Caballero, M. Saumell-Esnaola, G. Garcia del Can, N. Unceta, J. Salles, R. J. Barrio
Summary: This study proposes a new polymer format, a linear polymer, as a selective recognition element for protein detection, showcasing its potential in replacing natural antibodies in bioassays. The selective detection of the globular protein lactoferrin using the linear polymer was demonstrated, along with a low level of cross-reactivity.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Alberto Gomez-Caballero, Ainhoa Elejaga-Jimeno, Gontzal Garcia del Cano, Nora Unceta, Antonio Guerreiro, Miquel Saumell-Esnaola, Joan Salles, M. Aranzazu Goicolea, Ramon J. Barrio
Summary: This study describes the production of artificial anti-CB1 antibodies in nanoparticle format using a solid-phase imprinting approach. By selecting a linear C-terminus sequence of the receptor as a template, the artificial antibody showed affinity and selectivity towards the target protein through dot blot and Western blot experiments. The developed molecularly imprinted materials pave the way for novel imprinted nanomaterials for other proteins within the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR).
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miquel Saumell-Esnaola, Sergio Barrondo, Gontzal Garcia del Cano, Maria Aranzazu Goicolea, Joan Salles, Beat Lutz, Krisztina Monory
Summary: This study investigated the role of CB1 receptor in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons and its signaling properties, showing that the coupling of CB1 receptor to Gαi/o proteins is correlated with CB1 receptor abundance in different cell types. The results provide a new perspective on the functional coupling of CB1 receptor at excitatory and inhibitory terminals, highlighting the utility of the CB1 rescue model in studying endocannabinoid physiology at the subcellular level.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miquel Saumell-Esnaola, Diego Delgado, Gontzal Garcia del Cano, Maider Beitia, Joan Salles, Imanol Gonzalez-Burguera, Pello Sanchez, Maider Lopez de Jesus, Sergio Barrondo, Mikel Sanchez
Summary: This study explored the molecular and morphological characteristics of platelet-derived exosomes and validated a method for isolating highly pure platelet exosomes. It was found that activated platelets released more exosomes, which exhibited the molecular and morphological features of platelet exosomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Jon Jatsu Azkue
Summary: This study introduces a practical method for generating true-color 3D surface renditions of anatomical structures through a flexible and nondestructive procedure. The method allows for customized anatomical scenes and enables the rendering of structures of interest as if they had been previously dissected or prepared for anatomical demonstration.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Miquel Saumell-Esnaola, Ainhoa Elejaga-Jimeno, Leyre Echeazarra, Leire Borrega-Roman, Sergio Barrondo, Maider Lopez de Jesus, Imanol Gonzalez-Burguera, Alberto Gomez-Caballero, Maria Aranzazu Goicolea, Joan Salles, Gontzal Garcia del Cano
Summary: By engineering soluble recombinant fragments, standard and negative controls containing the antigen were generated for the quantitative Western blot analysis, resulting in a successful alternative method that is simple, cost-effective, and radioactivity-free for studying CB1 receptor expression. The discrepancies between quantitative Western blot and radioligand saturation binding techniques are discussed within the context of their theoretical bases and methodological constraints.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Leyre Echeazarra, Sergio Barrondo, Gontzal Garcia Del Cano, Itziar Bonilla-Del Rio, Jon Egana-Huguet, Nagore Puente, Xabier Aretxabala, Mario Montana, Maider Lopez de Jesus, Imanol Gonzalez-Burguera, Miquel Saumell-Esnaola, Maria Aranzazu Goicolea, Pedro Grandes, Joan Salles
Summary: In this study, a detailed neuroanatomical distribution map of the CB1 receptor in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPCx) of obese Zucker rats was described. The study also characterized the expression and functional coupling of the receptor to G(i/o) proteins. Higher CB1 receptor density was found in specific subregions of the mPCx in obese Zucker rats, along with an increase in CB1 receptor immunopositive excitatory presynaptic terminals. Additionally, the researchers observed elevated levels of CB1 receptors and WIN55,212-2-stimulated [S-35]GTP gamma S binding in the mPCx of obese rats. Low-frequency stimulation induced CB1 receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity in the obese rats' mPCx, suggesting hyperactivity of the endocannabinoid signaling in this region. These findings highlight the importance of CB1 receptors in the mPCx in the development of obesity in Zucker rats.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xabier Aretxabala, Gontzal Garcia del Cano, Sergio Barrondo, Maider Lopez de Jesus, Imanol Gonzalez-Burguera, Miquel Saumell-Esnaola, Maria Aranzazu Goicolea, Joan Salles
Summary: In this study, the authors investigated the dynamics and distribution of the diacylglycerol lipase-alpha (DGL alpha) enzyme in the nuclear matrix of adult cortical neurons. They used various techniques, such as high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, subcellular fractionation, and Western blot, to demonstrate the localization of DGL alpha in the matrix of neuronal nuclei. Additionally, they quantified the production of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) through DGL alpha dependent biosynthesis and described the localization of enzymes involved in 2-AG degradation. The results provide valuable insights into the subcellular distribution and function of DGL alpha in neuronal nuclei.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
