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Raymond Dingledine

Publications and source records attributed to Raymond Dingledine.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Degeneration and proliferation of astrocytes in the mouse dentate gyrus after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus.

Astrocytes are relatively resistant to injury compared to neurons and oligodendrocytes. Here, we report transient region-specific loss of astrocytes in mice early after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE). In the dentate hilus, immunoreactivity for glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) was decreased, and the number of healthy appearing GFAP- or S100beta-positive cells was significantly reduced (> or =65%) 1 and 3 days after pilocarpine-induced SE. Many remaining GFAP-positive cells were shrunken, and 1 day after SE electron microscopy revealed numerous electron-dense degenerating astrocyte processes and degenerating glial somata in the hilus. Degeneration of GFAP-expressing cells may be linked to hilar neuronal death, because we did not observe loss of astrocytes after kainate-induced SE, after which hilar neurons remained intact. Ten days after SE, hilar GFAP immunoreactivity had returned, partially from GFAP-positive cells in the hilus. Unlike control mice, many GFAP-positive hilar processes originated from cell bodies located in the subgranular zone (SGZ). To investigate whether proliferation contributes to hilar repopulation, we injected 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) 3 days after SE. Five hours later and up to 31 days after SE, many BrdU/GFAP colabeled cells were found in the hilus and the SGZ, some with hilar processes, indicating that proliferation in both areas contributes to generation of hilar astrocytes and astrocyte processes. In contrast to pilocarpine-induced SE in mice, astrocyte degeneration was not found after pilocarpine-induced SE in rats. These findings demonstrate astrocyte degeneration in the mouse dentate hilus specifically in the mouse pilocarpine epilepsy model, followed by astrogenesis leading to hilar repopulation.

Animals↗

Gene expression profiling of rat midbrain dopamine neurons: implications for selective vulnerability in parkinsonism.

To elucidate factors related to selective dopamine neuron degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD), we have defined gene expression profiles of discrete dopamine neuron subpopulations in the rat using immunofluorescent laser capture microscopy and microarray analysis. Although profiles were remarkably similar, there are concerted categorical differences in gene expression between dopamine neurons that might explain their differential susceptibility. As a group, energy metabolism transcripts are more highly expressed in substantia nigra (SN) dopamine neurons, an intriguing result considering previous evidence for a mitochondrial defect in idiopathic PD and the greater susceptibility of SN dopamine neurons to damage by mitochondrial poisons. Examination of putative transcription factor binding sites suggests that these concerted differences may be related to differential activity of specific transcription factors. These results provide the first large scale description of gene expression profiles of dopamine neurons and suggest several avenues for investigation into dopaminergic neuroprotective therapy for PD.

Animals↗

Metabotropic glutamate receptors modulate feedback inhibition in a developmentally regulated manner in rat dentate gyrus.

We investigated group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) modulation of glutamatergic input onto hilar-border interneurones and its regulation of feedback inhibition in the dentate gyrus. Selective activation of group II mGluRs with (2S,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG-IV) depressed mossy fibre (MF)-evoked excitatory drive to these interneurones with significantly greater depression in juvenile than adult rats. During 20 Hz MF stimulus trains, EPSCs became depressed. Depression during the early, but not later part of the train was significantly greater in juvenile than adult rats and was blocked by the mGluR antagonist (2S)-2-amino-2-[(1S,2S)-2-carboxycycloprop-1-yl]-3-(xanth-9-yl) propanoic acid (LY341495). In dentate granule cells from juvenile rats polysynaptic feedback IPSCs, but not monosynaptic IPSCs, were strongly suppressed by DCG-IV. DCG-IV also suppressed feedback inhibition of perforant path-evoked population spikes. In contrast, in adult animals DCG-IV did not significantly depress feedback inhibition. During 20 Hz stimulus trains in juvenile animals the summation of polysynaptic, but not monosynaptic IPSCs was suppressed by synaptically activated group II mGluRs. Blockade of these mGluRs with LY341495 significantly increased the area and duration of the summated IPSC, causing greater feedback inhibition of granule cell firing. In contrast, in adult animals LY341495 did not alter feedback inhibition following the stimulus train. These findings indicate that group II mGluRs modulate excitatory drive to interneurones in a developmentally regulated manner and thereby modulate feedback inhibition in the dentate gyrus.

Amino Acids↗

Voltage-controlled plasticity at GluR2-deficient synapses onto hippocampal interneurons.

High-frequency stimulation of pyramidal cell inputs to developing (P9-12) hippocampal stratum radiatum interneurons expressing GluR2-lacking, Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA receptors produces long-term depression of synaptic transmission, if N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are blocked. Here we show that these same synapses display a remarkably versatile signal integration if postsynaptic NMDA receptors are activated. At synapses expressing GluR2-deficient AMPA receptors, tetanic stimulation that activates NMDA receptors triggered long-term potentiation or depression (LTP or LTD) depending on membrane potential. LTP was elicited at most synapses when the interneuron was held at -30 mV during the stimulus train but was typically prevented by postsynaptic hyperpolarization to -70 mV, by strong depolarization to 0 mV, by d-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid, or by postsynaptic injection of the Ca2+ chelator bis-(o-aminophenoxy)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid. At synapses with predominantly GluR2-containing AMPA receptors, repetitive stimulation did not change synaptic strength regardless of whether NMDA receptors were activated. The interactions among GluR2 expression, NMDA receptor expression, and membrane potential thus confer on hippocampal interneurons a distinctive means for differential decoding of high-frequency inputs, resulting in enhanced or depressed transmission depending on the functional state of the interneuron.

Animals↗

Inhibition of glutamate receptor 2 translation by a polymorphic repeat sequence in the 5'-untranslated leaders.

Previous studies have identified multiple transcription initiation sites for the glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2) gene, resulting in a heterogeneous population of GluR2 transcripts in vivo that differ in the length of their 5'-untranslated leaders (5'-UTR). We designed a series of monocistronic and dicistronic GluR2 cDNA constructs that model the natural in vivo transcripts and investigated their translation efficiencies in rabbit reticulocyte lysates, Xenopus oocytes, and primary cultured neurons. Transcripts containing long 5' leaders (429 and 481 bases) were translated poorly compared with those with shorter leaders (341 or fewer bases). None of the five initiation codons in the 5'-UTR or the leader length per se were responsible for translation regulation. Rather, control of translation was mediated by a sequence containing a 34-42 nucleotide imperfect GU repeat predicted to form secondary structure in vivo. This translation suppression domain is included in some but not all rat and human GluR2 transcripts in vivo, depending on the site of transcription initiation. Rat cortex GluR2 transcripts that lack the translation suppression sequence were preferentially associated with polyribosomes. Furthermore, the GU-repeat cluster was found to be polymorphic in humans, raising the possibility that expansion or contraction of the GU-repeat cluster in certain populations might modify the level of GluR2 protein expression in neurons.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

Reciprocal changes of CD44 and GAP-43 expression in the dentate gyrus inner molecular layer after status epilepticus in mice.

Mossy fiber sprouting (MFS), a common feature of human temporal lobe epilepsy and many epilepsy animal models, contributes to hippocampal hyperexcitability. The molecular events responsible for MFS are not well understood, although the growth-associated protein GAP-43 has been implicated in rats. Here, we focus on the hyaluronan receptor CD44, which is involved in routing of retinal axons during development and is upregulated after injury in many tissues including brain. After pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) in mice most hilar neurons died and neuropeptide Y (NPY) immunoreactivity appeared in the dentate inner molecular layer (IML) after 10-31 days indicative of MFS. Strong CD44 immunoreactivity appeared in the IML 3 days after pilocarpine, then declined over the next 4 weeks. Conversely, GAP-43 immunoreactivity was decreased in the IML at 3-10 days after pilocarpine-induced SE. After SE induced by repeated kainate injections, mice did not show any hilar cell loss or changes in CD44 or GAP-43 expression in the IML, and MFS was absent at 20-35 days. Thus, after SE in mice, early loss of GAP-43 and strong CD44 induction in the IML correlated with hilar cell loss and subsequent MFS. CD44 is one of the earliest proteins upregulated in the IML and coincides with early sprouting of mossy fibers, although its function is still unknown. We hypothesize that CD44 is involved in the response to axon terminal degeneration and/or neuronal reorganization preceding MFS.

Animals↗

Neuronal and glial pathological changes during epileptogenesis in the mouse pilocarpine model.

The rodent pilocarpine model of epilepsy exhibits hippocampal sclerosis and spontaneous seizures and thus resembles human temporal lobe epilepsy. Use of the many available mouse mutants to study this epilepsy model would benefit from a detailed neuropathology study. To identify new features of epileptogenesis, we characterized glial and neuronal pathologies after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) in CF1 and C57BL/6 mice focusing on the hippocampus. All CF1 mice showed spontaneous seizures by 17-27 days after SE. By 6 h there was virtually complete loss of hilar neurons, but the extent of pyramidal cell death varied considerably among mice. In the mossy fiber pathway, neuropeptide Y (NPY) was persistently upregulated beginning 1 day after SE; NPY immunoreactivity in the supragranular layer after 31 days indicated mossy fiber sprouting. beta2 microglobulin-positive activated microglia, normally absent in brains without SE, became abundant over 3-31 days in regions of neuronal loss, including the hippocampus and the amygdala. Astrogliosis developed after 10 days in damaged areas. Amyloid precursor protein immunoreactivity in the thalamus at 10 days suggested delayed axonal degeneration. The mortality after pilocarpine injection was very high in C57BL/6 mice from Jackson Laboratories but not those from Charles River, suggesting that mutant mice in the C57BL/6(JAX) strain will be difficult to study in the pilocarpine model, although their neuropathology was similar to CF1 mice. Major neuropathological changes not previously studied in the rodent pilocarpine model include widespread microglial activation, delayed thalamic axonal death, and persistent NPY upregulation in mossy fibers, together revealing extensive and persistent glial as well as neuronal pathology.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗

Interneuron Diversity series: Interneuron research--challenges and strategies.

The field of interneuron research has come of age. An influx of new data has shed light on many areas, but has also highlighted major challenges. The articles in this review series will address several of these challenges, including developing a standardized classification scheme, defining how the integrative properties of interneurons shape their functional roles (including the generation of oscillatory activity), and identifying molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. New technologies can help us address these problems in ways not previously possible. To coordinate the vast amount of data being generated, we propose the creation of a world-wide-web Interneuron Database that will facilitate inter-laboratory comparisons and collaborative studies. A well-crafted database has the potential to bring new insight by standardizing and organizing data collected in physiological, anatomical and molecular studies.

Animals↗

Functional interactions between cannabinoid and metabotropic glutamate receptors in the central nervous system.

The recent appreciation that two G-protein-coupled receptors, metabotropic glutamate and cannabinoid, are trans-synaptically linked by a small lipid messenger has profound implications, both for control of synaptic transmission and for novel therapeutic strategies. There is much evidence for this assertion and on the significance of this dual receptor cooperation for modulation of synaptic transmission in the central nervous system.

Animals↗

Activity of the rat GluR4 promoter in transfected cortical neurons and glia.

AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate) receptors are assembled from four subunits, GluR1-4. Although GluR4 is widely expressed in brain its abundance is less than GluR1-3. We have isolated approximately 5 kb of the rat GluR4 promoter region and analyzed its capacity to drive expression of a luciferase reporter gene in transfected rat cortical neurons and glia, and C6 glioma cells. Multiple transcriptional start sites were identified in a GC-rich region lacking TATA-boxes between -1090 and -1011 bp from ATG. In transfected mixed cortical cultures, luciferase expression driven by GluR4 promoter segments were found predominantly in TuJ1-positive neurons, indicating neuronal preference of GluR4. The GluR4 promoter fragments were 6-12-fold more active in neurons than glia, compared with a 30-fold neuronal selectivity of GluR2. Deletion of the GluR4 transcriptional initiation region decreased luciferase activity in neurons, but increased activity in C6 cells, suggesting that regulatory elements governing neuronal expression reside in this region. An intron within the 5'-untranslated region and Sp1, IK2 and E-box sites are conserved in the rat, mouse and human GluR4 promoters. The relative activity of GluR4 and GluR2 promoters in transfected cells correlates with their expression in brain, and in both promoters regulatory elements for neuronal expression reside near the initiation sites.

Animals↗

Developing novel treatments for mood disorders: accelerating discovery.

This review was generated from discussions by the Pharmacologic and Somatic Treatments Section of the National Institute of Mental Health Strategic Plan for Mood Disorders Committee on advancing novel pharmacologic and somatic treatments for mood disorders. The opening section of the article summarizes in broad strokes, current pharmacologic treatments, and new directions in the field. Thereafter the topics focus on specific research initiatives that could advance the current therapeutics for mood disorders including new basic and clinical research in vivo human imaging procedures, somatic therapeutics, and the vast new area of pharmacogenetics. New scientific and technical opportunities exist today based on advances in basic neuroscience, opportunities in clinical testing, industry interest in advancing central nervous system therapeutics, and on active consumer advocacy groups. The question of how to bring all of these positive forces together to accelerate discovery in mood disorder thera-peutics is the topic of this article.

Animals↗

Control of feedforward dendritic inhibition by NMDA receptor-dependent spike timing in hippocampal interneurons.

Two putative functional populations of feedforward interneurons with distinct spike-timing properties were identified in stratum radiatum of the CA1 rat hippocampus. Interneurons with fast (half width, <100 msec) EPSPs fired after short EPSP-spike latencies and with a high degree of temporal precision compared with cells with slow (half width, >100 msec) EPSPs. Spike timing in fast and slow interneurons occurred at different phases of the EPSPs of simultaneously activated pyramidal cells. In addition, firing of fast interneurons preceded action potentials in principal neurons, whereas action potentials in slow interneurons could either precede or follow firing in pyramidal cells. Temporal integration of separate inputs leading to synaptically evoked firing was more prominent in slow than fast interneurons. Functional diversity between the two putative populations was abolished by the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) antagonist d-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (d-AP-5). The axon of both cell types was primarily restricted to striatum radiatum or to striatum lacunosum-moleculare in the case of slow cells, suggesting targeting of principal cell dendrites for the majority of the cells of this study. Indeed, firing of slow and fast interneurons generated similar unitary IPSCs (uIPSCs) in pyramidal neurons. uIPSCs were mediated by GABA(A) receptors and had in most cases small amplitudes and slow kinetics. Our results suggest that functionally heterogeneous interneurons encode the temporal properties of dendritic feedforward inhibition, and that NMDARs play an essential role in shaping the integrative properties of interneurons and in setting the timing of GABA release.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗

The roles of metabotropic glutamate receptors in seizures and epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a disorder that afflicts more than 50 million people worldwide. Current antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), although effective in controlling seizures for the majority of individuals, remain far from ideal as therapeutics. There is a need for new drugs that act at different molecular targets than currently available AEDs and for new therapies designed to block the process of epileptogenesis. Because of their central role in modulating numerous physiological processes in the central nervous system, metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of a variety of neurological conditions including epilepsy. mGluRs represent attractive new targets for therapeutic control of seizures and interruption of the epileptogenic process. We review the involvement of mGluRs in the induction and expression of epileptic seizures, their potential roles in the process of epileptogenesis, and their altered expression and function in the epileptic human brain.

Animals↗