Article
Neurosciences
Mira T. Kronschlaeger, Anna S. M. Siegert, Felix J. Resch, Pradeep S. Rajendran, Baljit S. Khakh, Juergen Sandkuehler
Summary: Astrocytes in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord show fine-tuned differences across different layers to meet the demands of processing sensory information of varying modalities. While astrocytes in laminae I and II exhibit higher density and elevated expression levels of certain markers compared to those in lamina III, they share similar membrane properties, network formation, and intracellular calcium signaling characteristics.
Review
Anesthesiology
Lou Cathenaut, Remy Schlichter, Sylvain Hugel
Summary: Somatosensory information is efficiently processed in the spinal cord by frequency-tuned synapses, which display activity-dependent forms of short-term plasticity. These properties allow for powerful gain control in neuronal networks and contribute to the integration of nociceptive messages and the effectiveness of nonpharmacological analgesic procedures.
Article
Rehabilitation
Ville Niemi-Nikkola, Eerika Koskinen, Eija Vaaral, Anna-Maija Kauppila, Mauri Kallinen, Aki Vainionpaa
Summary: This study evaluated the incidence and characteristics of acquired nontraumatic spinal cord injury in Finland. It found that NTSCI was more common in men, with degenerative causes being the most common etiology, and tetraplegia being less common. The study also pointed out the lack of previous research on NTSCI in Finland and the higher incidence rate compared to previous studies.
ARCHIVES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Renaud Jeffrey-Gauthier, Julien Bouyer, Mathieu Piche, Marie-Pascale Cote, Hugues Leblond
Summary: This study found that musculoskeletal injury may hinder locomotor recovery after SCI, with involvement of microglia in this effect, but without modulation of KCC2 expression.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Mariantonella Colucci, Azzurra Stefanucci, Adriano Mollica, Anna Maria Aloisi, Francesco Maione, Stefano Pieretti
Summary: Formyl peptide receptor type 2 (FPR2/ALX) plays a crucial role in recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage-associated molecular patterns. It is highly expressed in myeloid cells and various other cell types. Research suggests that FPR2/ALX may be involved in pain control in the spinal cord.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Yu Zhao, Fuxiang Wang, Liming Cao
Summary: This case report of a unique presentation of AIDS-related longitudinal myelitis enriches our understanding of the clinical spectrum of this condition, and provides essential information for the diagnosis and treatment of longitudinal myelitis in AIDS patients.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hongwei Cai, Zheng Ao, Chunhui Tian, Zhuhao Wu, Connor Kaurich, Zi Chen, Mingxia Gu, Andrea G. Hohmann, Ken Mackie, Feng Guo
Summary: Opioids may induce tolerance and hyperalgesia, but the human mechanisms underlying these effects are not well understood. Researchers have developed a novel human spinal microphysiological system (MPS) to model human nociception and opioid-induced tolerance. This system shows promising potential for studying pain etiology, screening new treatments, and validating novel therapeutics for human pain medicine.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Mario Heles, Petra Mrozkova, Dominika Sulcova, Pavel Adamek, Diana Spicarova, Jiri Palecek
Summary: The study revealed that elevated levels of CCL2 may severely weaken the opioid-induced inhibition of excitatory synaptic transmission through a microglia activation mechanism, while the delayed enhancement of neurotransmission after mu OR activation is dependent on TRPV1 receptor activation.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katherin A. Gabriel, John M. Streicher
Summary: Opioids are effective for acute pain but chronic use leads to tolerance. Inhibiting the chaperone protein HSP90 increases the antinociceptive effects of opioids by activating the kinase ERK. This activation is mediated by the relief of a negative feedback loop involving the kinase AMPK.
Article
Biology
Valeria Oliva, Ron Hartley-Davies, Rosalyn Moran, Anthony E. Pickering, Jonathan Cw Brooks
Summary: Shifting attention away from a threatening event can decrease pain perception. This phenomenon may involve neural pathways connecting the anterior cingulate with the locus coeruleus and periaqueductal grey-rostral ventromedial medulla, with potential roles for noradrenergic and opioidergic modulators.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Petra Mrozkova, Diana Spicarova, Jiri Palecek
Summary: Our study found that spinal PAR2 activation exacerbated carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia, which could be prevented by TRPV1 antagonist and staurosporine pretreatment. Additionally, the application of PAR2 agonist increased the frequency of mEPSC and sEPSC, as well as the amplitude of eEPSC, in dorsal horn neurons, while this effect was prevented by SB 366791 or staurosporine pretreatment. Furthermore, PAR2 antagonist application reduced thermal hyperalgesia and decreased the frequency of mEPSC and sEPSC, along with the amplitude of eEPSC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adam W. Doelman, Femke Streijger, Steve J. A. Majerus, Margot S. Damaser, Brian K. Kwon
Summary: Neurogenic bladder dysfunction is a common condition after spinal cord injury, and animal models are crucial for studying its mechanisms and testing potential therapies. This review summarizes the use of animal models, particularly cystometry testing, in assessing SCI-related NLUTD. The advantages, disadvantages, and future research opportunities of different animal models are also discussed.
Review
Neurosciences
Huiping Ding, Mei-Chuan Ko
Summary: NHP models have been instrumental in opioid research for over five decades, offering more accurate conclusions in areas such as analgesia, abuse liability, and respiratory depression. Recent studies suggest that mixed mu opioid and nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor partial agonists may serve as safe, non-addictive analgesics.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Robin Lutolf, Jan Rosner, Armin Curt, Michele Hubli
Summary: The study investigated the residual function of the spinothalamic tract (STT) following spinal cord injury (SCI) and its relationship with neuropathic pain characteristics. Subjects with clinically preserved STT function were more likely to present allodynia, indicating a potential association with neuropathic pain post-SCI.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Syed M. Adil, Lefko T. Charalambous, Shashank Rajkumar, Andreas Seas, Pranav I. Warman, Kelly R. Murphy, Shervin Rahimpour, Beth Parente, Rajeev Dharmapurikar, Timothy W. Dunn, Shivanand P. Lad
Summary: This study developed machine learning models to predict the reduction or stabilization of opioid usage after spinal cord stimulation (SCS). The results showed that logistic regression (LR) and deep neural networks (DNNs) had similar performances, with LR revealing significant associations with patients' pre-SCS pharmacologic patterns.
Article
Neurosciences
Michael Ohene-Nyako, Sara R. Nass, Yun K. Hahn, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser
Summary: The study found that exposure to morphine and Tat may lead to region-specific hyperphosphorylation of tau, and interactions between morphine and Tat may exacerbate this phenomenon. These results help further understand how HIV and opiates may impact the aging process of the brain.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
William D. Marks, Jason J. Paris, Aaron J. Barbour, Jean Moon, Valerie J. Carpenter, Virginia D. McLane, Arianna R. S. Lark, Sara R. Nass, Jingli Zhang, Viktor Yarotskyy, A. Rory McQuiston, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser
Summary: The study found that the interactions between opioids and HIV in the hippocampal CA1 region are more nuanced than previously thought. Exposure to Tat or high doses of morphine impaired spatial memory, while Tat expression reduced the excitability of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons.
Article
Cell Biology
Viktor Yarotskyy, Arianna R. S. Lark, Sara R. Nass, Yun K. Hahn, Michael G. Marone, A. Rory McQuiston, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser
Summary: This study reveals the presence of ClC-1 chloride channels in striatal neurons, mainly localized to the somata of the neurons. These channels modulate neuronal excitability.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junheng Zhao, Song Peng, Hongtu Cui, Panyu Li, Tianming Li, Luole Liu, Hanfeng Zhang, Zengyuan Tian, Haihong Shang, Ruqiang Xu
Summary: This study comprehensively identified and characterized CNGCs in cotton, revealing their expression patterns, regulatory mechanisms, and functional diversity. The findings lay the foundation for further research and utilization of CNGCs in cotton genetic improvement.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xue Zhang, Jinrui Liu, Wenjing Jia, Junheng Zhao, Ruqiang Xu
Summary: Plant tissue culture is an important technique in modern agriculture, but its application is limited in certain species, such as sesame. This study demonstrates that the addition of thymol to the culture medium promotes efficient plant regeneration in different genotypes of sesame. The study also identified several genes and metabolic pathways involved in shoot regeneration.
IN VITRO CELLULAR & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY-PLANT
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Virginia D. McLane, Arianna R. S. Lark, Sara R. Nass, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser
Summary: In this study, the impact of HIV-1 Tat protein and morphine on dendritic spines in hippocampal neurons was investigated. The results showed that HIV-1 Tat protein, but not morphine, systematically reduced the density of specific dendrites, indicating a coordinated loss of synaptic interconnections.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Guangming Ren, Huijuan Mo, Ruqiang Xu
Summary: The study found that ADC2 and putrescine are involved in the development and elongation of fibers in tetraploid upland cotton, providing a foundation for future research on cotton fiber development.
Article
Cell Biology
Changqing Xu, Barkha J. Yadav-Samudrala, Callie Xu, Bhupendra Nath, Twisha Mistry, Wei Jiang, Micah J. Niphakis, Benjamin F. Cravatt, Somnath Mukhopadhyay, Aron H. Lichtman, Bogna M. Ignatowska-Jankowska, Sylvia Fitting
Summary: This study found that upregulating the endocannabinoid (eCB) system may have protective effects against HIV-1 Tat protein-induced alterations in synaptic activity. The effects of Tat exposure on GABAergic activity and eCB signaling were found to be sex-dependent, and the inhibition of GABAergic activity by the FAAH inhibitor PF3845 involved CB1R-related mechanisms that relied on calcium signaling.
Article
Cell Biology
Arianna R. S. Lark, Lindsay K. Silva, Sara R. Nass, Michael G. Marone, Michael Ohene-Nyako, Therese M. Ihrig, William D. Marks, Viktor Yarotskyy, A. Rory McQuiston, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser
Summary: The striatum is susceptible to HIV-1 infection, especially with opioid use disorder. The effects of sustained HIV-1 exposure and acute opioid comorbidity on dopamine-expressing neurons in the striatum are still unknown.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Kurt F. Hauser, Michael Ohene-Nyako, Pamela E. Knapp
Summary: Opioid use disorder exacerbates neuroHIV infection, accelerates cognitive deficits, and enhances neurodegenerative changes through neuroinflammation. Opioids interact with HIV in the central nervous system via the µ-opioid receptor, promoting unique structural and functional comorbid deficits.
CURRENT OPINION IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Wisam Toma, Jason J. Paris, Urszula O. Warncke, Sara R. Nass, Martial Caillaud, Bryan McKiver, Olivia Ondo, Deniz Bagdas, John Bigbee, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser, M. Imad Damaj
Summary: This study aims to investigate the role of chronic HIV-1 Tat exposure in the development of neuropathy in mice. The results show that Tat induces mechanical and cold hypersensitivity, with females exhibiting more severe hypersensitivity. Current therapeutics have limited effectiveness in alleviating symptoms in female mice.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Kelly M. Flounlacker, Yun Kyung Hahn, Ruqiang Xu, Chloe A. Simons, Tao Tian, Kurt F. Hauser, Pamela E. Knapp
Summary: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are prevalent despite the use of antiretroviral therapies. Opioid use/abuse in HIV+ individuals worsens central nervous system deficits. White matter alterations and myelin-related gene changes are observed in HIV+ individuals. This study investigates the effects of HIV Tat protein and morphine on white matter using transgenic mice.
JOURNAL OF NEUROVIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Sara R. Nass, Yun K. Hahn, Michael Ohene-Nyako, Virginia D. McLane, M. Imad Damaj, Leroy R. Thacker II, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser
Summary: Opioid use disorder (OUD) and HIV are comorbid epidemics that can increase depression. HIV and the viral protein Tat can directly induce neuronal injury within reward and emotionality brain circuitry, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Such damage involves both excitotoxic mechanisms and more indirect pathways through neuroinflammation, both of which can be worsened by opioid co-exposure. Tat and morphine differentially induce depressive-like behaviors associated with increased neuroinflammation, synaptic losses, and immune fatigue within the PFC.
Article
Neurosciences
Michael Ohene-Nyako, Sara R. Nass, Hope T. Richard, Robert Lukande, Melanie R. Nicol, MaryPeace McRae, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser
Summary: This study investigated the aberrant phosphorylation and aggregation of TDP-43 in HIV-infected brains. It was found that the HIV infection leads to increased phosphorylation of TDP-43 and levels of TDP-43 kinases. The study also demonstrated that both HIV-1 Tat and morphine can independently increase the pathologic phosphorylation of TDP-43, which is associated with CK2 activity and protein levels.
Article
Neurosciences
Aaron J. Barbour, Sara R. Nass, Yun K. Hahn, Kurt F. Hauser, Pamela E. Knapp
Summary: People infected with HIV are susceptible to damage in the striatum and hippocampus, leading to motor and memory impairments. GABAergic dysfunction from HIV infection and viral proteins like Tat have been well-documented, and loss of KCC2 may disrupt GABA(A)R-mediated hyperpolarization and inhibition. Targeting KCC2 activity could be a therapeutic approach to alleviate motor disturbances related to HIV.