Article
Neurosciences
Clarissa M. D. Mota, Christopher J. Madden
Summary: Activation of LPBd neurons inhibits BAT thermogenesis and contributes to obesity. Administration of GABAA receptor agonist rescues BAT thermogenesis in high-fat diet-induced obesity. These findings reveal novel effects of high-fat diets on the brain and metabolism.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Huiling Sun, Kai Meng, Lin Hou, Lijun Shang, Jianqun Yan
Summary: GLP-2 is a hormone secreted from the gut and brainstem that can suppress food intake by influencing the hypothalamus through the nucleus tractus solitarius. The GLP-2 system in the nucleus tractus solitarius exerts an inhibitory action on food intake, mediated by MC4-R.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Lin-Han Wang, Wen-Qun Ding, Yan-Gang Sun
Summary: The somatosensory system processes various types of information and plays a crucial role in sensory perception and body movement. The spinal ascending pathways, particularly the spinal projection neurons, are key nodes in transmitting somatosensory information from the periphery to the brain. However, the mechanisms underlying somatosensory information processing by these pathways are still not fully understood, and recent studies have shed light on their diversity and functional roles.
TRENDS IN NEUROSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Vera Geraldes, Sergio Laranjo, Catarina Nunes, Isabel Rocha
Summary: Hypertension was investigated in this study to understand the role of specific brain regions in regulating blood pressure. The activity of lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN), Kolliker-fuse nucleus (KF), and periductal grey matter (PAG) were altered in hypertensive rats using lentiviral vectors. The study revealed the significant role of LPBN in hypertension-related sympathetic activation and the mechanisms activated by LPBN and KF neurons during chemoreceptor activation. These findings provide insights into the contribution of midbrain and pontine regions to neurogenic hypertension and potential avenues for future treatment approaches.
Article
Neurosciences
Rui Wang, Dan Fang, Tingting Lin, Wenhui Liang, Hu Qiao
Summary: The recent study found that aldosterone can play a non-genomic regulatory role in rapid sodium intake by activating G protein-coupled estrogen receptor at the NTS level, and it exhibits obvious time and concentration-dependent regulation. However, the molecular mechanism of how aldosterone regulates sodium intake rapidly is still unclear.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Bindu Parayil Sankaran, Saskia B. Wortman, Michel A. Willemsen, Shanti Balasubramaniam
Summary: A 7-year-old girl with rare genetic disease MEGD(H)EL presented with worsening respiratory issues and required mechanical ventilation, with MRI showing progression of known changes in the disease. Despite being ventilator dependent, she eventually succumbed to the effects of the disease.
Article
Physiology
Ato O. Aikins, Joel T. Little, Nataliya Rybalchenko, J. Thomas Cunningham
Summary: Dilutional hyponatremia associated with liver cirrhosis is caused by inappropriate release of arginine vasopressin. Our data suggest that A1/A2 neurons contribute to increased plasma copeptin and hypoosmolality in male BDL rats.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-REGULATORY INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xia Wang, Ruijuan Guan, Xiaomei Zhao, Jun Chen, Danian Zhu, Linlin Shen, Nana Song
Summary: TASKs, specifically TASK1 and TASK3, in orexin neurons play a crucial role in regulating respiratory chemoreflex, with orexin neurons sensing extracellular pH changes and projecting to the NTS to modulate respiration. Blocking TASKs or OX1R can affect breathing response to acidosis in the LH.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Antonietta Canna, Elena Cantone, Anne Roefs, Sieske Franssen, Anna Prinster, Elia Formisano, Francesco Di Salle, Fabrizio Esposito
Summary: In this study, ultra-high field fMRI was used to investigate the neural signals in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius (NTS) in response to different taste stimuli in the human brainstem. The results demonstrated a significant blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) response in the predicted location of the NTS for all basic taste stimuli. This study suggests the potential of using a similar experimental strategy to explore the central nervous system involvement in eating disorders.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Georgina K. C. Dowsett, Brian Y. H. Lam, John A. Tadross, Irene Cimino, Debra Rimmington, Anthony P. Coll, Joseph Polex-Wolf, Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, Charles Pyke, Giles S. H. Yeo
Summary: This study provides a detailed single-cell level characterization of cells in the AP and NTS expressing receptors for key anti-obesity drugs, revealing their gene expression profiles under different nutritional states. The research also identifies the transcriptional sensitivity of oligodendrocytes to overnight fasting and shows that roughly half of GIPR-expressing cells are oligodendrocytes.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jaesub Park, Sangyeon Lee, Kwansoo Kim, Jaegyun Jung, Doheon Lee
Summary: In this study, a computational approach called LAPINE is proposed for large-scale prediction of ADR-related proteins. The results show that LAPINE is capable of predicting ADR-related proteins with high reliability, providing insights into the mechanism of ADRs and aiding in prevention. The source code of LAPINE is available on GitHub and Figshare.
Article
Neurosciences
Qiuping Ye, Si Yuan, Lulu Yao, Yong Dai, Bing Deng, Jiahui Hu, Jiao Qiao, Hongmei Wen, Zulin Dou, Nenggui Xu
Summary: This study aims to investigate the effect of nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) on post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) treated by electroacupuncture. The results showed that excitatory neurons in the NTS were involved in the treatment process of PSD by electroacupuncture. Furthermore, it was found that inhibiting the NTS reduced the EMG signal associated with swallowing response induced by M1 activation in PSD mice, which was rescued by electroacupuncture.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Motoi Kobashi, Yuichi Shimatani, Masako Fujita
Summary: We investigated the effects of anorectic substances on gastric reservoir function by examining the effects of oxytocin on the motility of the forestomach in rats. Oxytocin increased intragastric pressure in the forestomach in a dose-dependent manner and suppressed phasic contractions of the distal stomach. The involvement of the area postrema and/or medial nucleus of the nucleus tractus solitarius in these effects was confirmed.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wafa A. A. Alsulaiman, Raphaelle Quillet, Andrew M. Bell, Allen C. Dickie, Erika Polgar, Kieran A. Boyle, Masahiko Watanabe, R. Brian Roome, Artur Kania, Andrew J. Todd, Maria Gutierrez-Mecinas
Summary: Phox2a-positive cells in lamina I are ALS neurons, but the Phox2a::Cre line preferentially captures specific types of ALS cells.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Ashmita Mukherjee, Adrianne M. DiBrog, Elizabeth G. Mietlicki-Baase
Summary: Binge-like palatable food intake can reduce the expression of preproglucagon (PPG), the precursor for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), in the hindbrain in male rats. However, it is unknown if similar effects occur in female rats.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Cedric Peirs, Radhouane Dallel, Andrew J. Todd
JOURNAL OF NEURAL TRANSMISSION
(2020)
Article
Neurosciences
Erika Polgar, Andrew M. Bell, Maria Gutierrez-Mecinas, Allen C. Dickie, Oguz Akar, Miruna Costreie, Masahiko Watanabe, Andrew J. Todd
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrew M. Bell, Maria Gutierrez-Mecinas, Anna Stevenson, Adrian Casas-Benito, Hendrik Wildner, Steven J. West, Masahiko Watanabe, Andrew J. Todd
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Correction
Clinical Neurology
Cedric Peirs, Radhouane Dallel, Andrew J. Todd
JOURNAL OF NEURAL TRANSMISSION
(2021)
Article
Anesthesiology
Kim Chisholm, Laure Lo Re, Erika Polgar, Maria Gutierrez-Mecinas, Andrew J. Todd, Stephen B. McMahon
Summary: The study introduced a new technique to simultaneously study a network of lamina I projection neurons in response to electrical and natural stimuli. Besides confirming the nociceptive involvement of these cells, it also discovered an unexpected preference for innocuous cooling stimuli and detailed the thermal responsiveness of these cells.
Article
Neurosciences
Liam J. Peck, Ryan Patel, Paula Diaz, Yolanda M. Wintle, Anthony H. Dickenson, Andrew J. Todd, Margarita Calvo, David L. H. Bennett
Summary: The study looked at the expression of Kv1.6 in sensory neurons and its role in pain sensitivity, comparing two mouse models of constitutive Kv1.6 knock-out achieved by different methods. The results showed unexpected reductions in sensitivity to noxious heat stimuli in both mouse lines, with a more significant hyposensitivity in the gene trap model.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wafa A. A. Alsulaiman, Raphaelle Quillet, Andrew M. Bell, Allen C. Dickie, Erika Polgar, Kieran A. Boyle, Masahiko Watanabe, R. Brian Roome, Artur Kania, Andrew J. Todd, Maria Gutierrez-Mecinas
Summary: Phox2a-positive cells in lamina I are ALS neurons, but the Phox2a::Cre line preferentially captures specific types of ALS cells.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Anesthesiology
Erika Polgar, Allen C. Dickie, Maria Gutierrez-Mecinas, Andrew M. Bell, Kieran A. Boyle, Raphaelle Quillet, Elisha Ab Rashid, Ross A. Clark, Morgan T. German, Masahiko Watanabe, John S. Riddell, Andrew J. Todd
Summary: Neurons in the superficial dorsal horn expressing GRPR are implicated in spinal itch pathways, but they also show characteristics of nociceptive interneurons. Using a GRPR(CreERT2) mouse line, this study identifies and targets cells with Grpr mRNA, revealing that GRPR cells are glutamatergic, concentrated in specific areas of the dorsal horn, and account for about 15% of excitatory neurons. These cells largely differ from other excitatory interneuron populations and receive monosynaptic input from Trpv1-expressing nociceptive afferents, responding to both pain and pruritic stimuli.
Article
Cell Biology
Corinne El Khoueiry, Cristina Alba-Delgado, Myriam Antri, Maria Gutierrez-Mecinas, Andrew J. Todd, Alain Artola, Radhouane Dallel
Summary: Mechanical allodynia, a symptom of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, is associated with the interaction between GABA and glycine-mediated inhibitory signals in the spinal cord. The inhibitory synapses on PKC gamma(+) interneurons show a pharmacological specialization, with predominantly GABA(A) R-only and GlyR-only currents.
Article
Neurosciences
Teodora Trendafilova, Kaustubh Adhikari, Annina B. Schmid, Ryan Patel, Erika Polgar, Kim Chisholm, Steven J. Middleton, Kieran Boyle, Allen C. Dickie, Evangelia Semizoglou, Jimena Perez-Sanchez, Andrew M. Bell, Luis Miguel Ramirez-Aristeguieta, Samar Khoury, Aleksandar Ivanov, Hendrik Wildner, Eleanor Ferris, Juan-Camilo Chacon-Duque, Sophie Sokolow, Mohamed A. Saad Boghdady, Andre Herchuelz, Pierre Faux, Giovanni Poletti, Carla Gallo, Francisco Rothhammer, Gabriel Bedoya, Hanns Ulrich Zeilhofer, Luda Diatchenko, Stephen B. McMahon, Andrew J. Todd, Anthony H. Dickenson, Andres Ruiz-Linares, David L. Bennett
Summary: Repeated application of noxious stimuli leads to increased pain perception, which is associated with genetic variations in the sodium-calcium exchanger type 3 (NCX3) gene. Lack of NCX3 results in hypersensitivity to the second phase of stimulation, slowed calcium clearance, and increased wind-up. The study identifies Ca2+ efflux as a pathway underlying temporal summation and persistent pain.
Article
Neurosciences
Maria Gutierrez-Mecinas, Eva Kokai, Erika Polgar, Raphaelle Quillet, Heather F. Titterton, Greg A. Weir, Masahiko Watanabe, Andrew J. Todd
Summary: Peptide (GRP) in the spinal dorsal horn acts on the GRP receptor and is implicated in itch. The source of GRP in the dorsal horn is not fully understood. Two antibodies against pro-GRP were developed, and they reliably detected GRP-expressing neurons and axons, indicating that excitatory interneurons expressing NPFF or substance P are likely to be the main source of GRP in the spinal dorsal horn.
Article
Biology
Remi Ronzano, Sophie Skarlatou, Bianca K. Barriga, B. Anne Bannatyne, Gardave Singh Bhumbra, Joshua D. Foster, Jeffrey D. Moore, Camille Lancelin, Amanda M. Pocratsky, Mustafa Goerkem Ozyurt, Calvin Chad Smith, Andrew J. Todd, David J. Maxwell, Andrew J. Murray, Samuel L. Pfaff, Robert M. Brownstone, Niccolo Zampieri, Marco Beato
Summary: In this study, multiple viral-tracing methods were used to investigate the organization of premotor interneurons contacting motor pools controlling flexion and extension of the ankle. Contrary to expectations, it was found that these premotor interneurons are highly intermingled with motor neurons, suggesting the absence of clear spatial patterns in the processing of motor instructions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Raphaelle Quillet, Allen C. Dickie, Erika Polgar, Maria Gutierrez-Mecinas, Andrew M. Bell, Luca Goffin, Masahiko Watanabe, Andrew J. Todd
Summary: Excitatory interneurons in the superficial dorsal horn (SDH) include a class known as vertical cells that express neuropeptide FF (NPFF). There is considerable overlap between these NPFF cells and a population of neurons that express the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR). However, NPFF cells differ from GRPR cells in terms of dendritic spine density, electrical excitability, and NPY Y1 receptor response, suggesting at least two distinct classes of vertical cells with differing roles in somatosensory processing.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tyler S. Nelson, Heather N. Allen, Paramita Basu, Pranav Prasoon, Eileen Nguyen, Cynthia M. Arokiaraj, Diogo F. S. Santos, Rebecca P. Seal, Sarah E. Ross, Andrew J. Todd, Bradley K. Taylor
Summary: Neuropeptide Y targets the Y1 receptor to produce analgesia in the spinal dorsal horn. The Y1-INs, which express the Y1 receptor, are necessary and sufficient for neuropathic hypersensitivity. This study identified three subpopulations of Y1-INs based on their coexpression with gastrin releasing peptide, neuropeptide FF, and cholecystokinin. Among these subpopulations, the Grp/Npy1r-INs were found to be conserved in higher order mammalian species and may represent a promising target for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Article
Neurosciences
Eva Kokai, Wafa A. A. Alsulaiman, Allen C. Dickie, Andrew M. Bell, Luca Goffin, Masahiko Watanabe, Maria Gutierrez-Mecinas, Andrew J. Todd
Summary: This study investigated a population of deep dorsal horn ALS neurons using a newly developed mouse line, revealing differences in excitatory synapse density and input sources compared to other ALS cells in the region.
Article
Neurosciences
Xiaomei Lin, Tianyuyi Feng, Erheng Cui, Yunfei Li, Zhang Qin, Xiaohu Zhao
Summary: This study successfully established a rat model based on the genetic-environmental interaction, which exhibited phenotype characteristics similar to human AD in terms of cognitive function, brain microstructure, and immunohistochemistry. The genetic factor (APP mutation) and the environmental factor (acrolein exposure) accounted for 39.74% and 33.3% of the AD-like phenotypes in the model, respectively.
Article
Neurosciences
Gustavo Guimara Guerrero, Giovanna Bignoto Minhoto, Camilla dos Santos Tiburcio-Machado, Itza Amarisis Ribeiro Pinto, Claudio Antonio Federico, Marcia Carneiro Valera
Summary: The present study evaluated the influence of head and neck radiotherapy on the behavior and body weight gain in Wistar rats. The results demonstrated that different doses of radiation induced depressive behavior in the animals, and that the weight gain tended to be lower in the irradiated groups.
Article
Neurosciences
Ziwei Gao, Chao Lu, Yaping Zhu, Yuxin Liu, Yuesong Lin, Wenming Gao, Liyuan Tian, Lei Wu
Summary: This study reveals the underlying mechanisms of the rapid antidepressant effects of merazin hydrate (MH), which activates CaMKII to promote neuronal activities and proliferation in the hippocampus.
Article
Neurosciences
Kathleen E. Murray, Whitney A. Ratliff, Vedad Delic, Bruce A. Citron
Summary: Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic disorder that affects approximately 30% of Veterans deployed to the Persian Gulf. This study found that exposure to toxicants during the Gulf War resulted in long-term changes in the morphology of dentate granule cells and that treatment with Nrf2 activator could improve neuronal health in the hippocampus.
Article
Neurosciences
Jing Li, Yan Zou, Xiangchuang Kong, Yangming Leng, Fan Yang, Guofeng Zhou, Bo Liu, Wenliang Fan
Summary: This study examines the functional connectivity changes in individuals with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) at the integrity, network, and edge levels. The findings reveal reduced intranetwork connectivity strength and increased internetwork connectivity in SSNHL patients. These alterations are associated with the duration of SSNHL and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores. The study provides crucial insights into the neural mechanisms of SSNHL and the brain's network-level responses to sensory loss.
Review
Neurosciences
Didier Majou, Anne-Lise Dermenghem
Summary: In the early stages of SAD, memory impairment is strongly correlated with cortical levels of soluble amyloid-beta peptide oligomers. A beta disrupts glutamatergic synaptic function and leads to cognitive deficits. This article describes the pathogenic mechanisms underlying cerebral amyloidosis, involving amyloid precursor protein synthesis, A beta residue clearance processes, and the role of specific molecules.
Article
Neurosciences
Jing Li, Yi Shan, Xiaojing Zhao, Guixiang Shan, Peng-Hu Wei, Lin Liu, Changming Wang, Hang Wu, Weiqun Song, Yi Tang, Guo-Guang Zhao, Jie Lu
Summary: This study investigates changes in brain anatomical structures and functional network connectivity after chronic complete thoracic spinal cord injury (cctSCI) and their impact on clinical outcomes. The findings reveal alterations in gray matter volume and functional connectivity in specific brain regions, indicating potential therapeutic targets and methods for tracking treatment outcomes.
Article
Neurosciences
Anllely Fernandez, Katherine Corvalan, Octavia Santis, Maxs Mendez-Ruette, Ariel Caviedes, Matias Pizarro, Maria -Teresa Gomez, Luis Federico Batiz, Peter Landgraf, Thilo Kahne, Alejandro Rojas-Fernandez, Ursula Wyneken
Summary: This study reveals the importance of SUMOylation in modulating the protein cargo of astrocyte-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) and its potential impact on neurons.
Article
Neurosciences
Anika Luettig, Stefanie Perl, Maria Zetsche, Franziska Richter, Denise Franz, Marco Heerdegen, Ruediger Koehling, Angelika Richter
Summary: This study found that changes in c-Fos activity during short-term stimulation of the entopeduncular nucleus (EPN) are associated with improvement in dystonia, and also discovered that the cerebellum may be involved in the antidystonic effects.
Article
Neurosciences
Yanlin Tao, Wei Shen, Houyuan Zhou, Zikang Li, Ting Pi, Hui Wu, Hailian Shi, Fei Huang, Xiaojun Wu
Summary: Depression has a higher incidence in women compared to men, and this study investigated the impact of sex on depressive behaviors and underlying mechanisms using a corticosterone-induced depression model in mice. The results showed sex-specific anxiety and depression behaviors in the model group, as well as differences in protein expression and neurotransmitter levels between male and female mice. These findings enhance our understanding of sex-specific differences in depression and support tailored interventions.
Review
Neurosciences
Dnyandev G. Gadhave, Vrashabh V. Sugandhi, Chandrakant R. Kokare
Summary: This article discusses the characteristics and importance of the tight junctions of endothelial cells in the CNS, which act as a biological barrier known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It focuses on overcoming the challenges of delivering therapeutic agents to the brain in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly multiple sclerosis, through the use of biomaterials. The article also highlights the current limitations of animal models for studying multiple sclerosis and suggests a potential future research direction.
Article
Neurosciences
Li-Min Mao, Khyathi Thallapureddy, John Q. Wang
Summary: Propofol can enhance synapsin phosphorylation and modulate synaptic transmission in the mouse brain. The study reveals the potential role of synapsin as a substrate of propofol and its effects on neurotransmitter release machinery.
Article
Neurosciences
Syed Maaz Ahmed Rizvi, Abdul Baseer Buriro, Irfan Ahmed, Abdul Aziz Memon
Summary: This study explores the effects of prolonged mask usage on the human brain by analyzing EEG and physiological parameters. The results show that the mean EEG spectral power in alpha, beta, and gamma sub-bands of individuals wearing masks is smaller than those without masks. The performances on cognitive tasks and oxygen saturation level differ between the two groups, while blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate are similar. The analysis also reveals that the occipital and frontal lobes exhibit the greatest variability in channel measurements.
Article
Neurosciences
Rui-Fang Ma, Lu-Lu Xue, Jin-Xiang Liu, Li Chen, Liu-Lin Xiong, Ting-Hua Wang, Fei Liu
Summary: This study observed changes in brain infarction and blood vessels in rats during neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (NHIE) modeling using Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography (TCD). Longer duration of hypoxia was associated with more severe nerve damage. TCD can dynamically monitor cerebral infarction after NHIE modeling, which may serve as a useful auxiliary method for evaluating animal experimental models.
Article
Neurosciences
Yuxiang Dai, Chen Yu, Lu Zhou, Longyang Cheng, Hongbin Ni, Weibang Liang
Summary: Overexpression of CXCR4 in glioma is correlated with patient survival, and its inhibition can reduce invasion and migration of glioma cells. Inhibiting Nur77 also decreases cancer progression associated with CXCR4.
